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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following organizations helps Kafka find a cheap hotel to stay in?

2. Why does Crow make fun of Kafka while they are staying in Oshima's cottage?

3. Where does Oshima find Kafka a place to sleep?

4. What is the name of the library where Mrs. Saeki works?

5. In what year did the elementary school teacher admit to lying to authorities about what happened in the woods that day?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Johnny Walker entice Nakata to kill him?

2. In what state does Oshima find Kafka when he returns to the cabin to bring Kafka home?

3. What warning does Oshima give to Kafka before dropping him off at the cabin in the woods?

4. How does Crow react to Kafka's fear when he is alone in the cabin in the woods?

5. What strange proposition does Johnny Walker make to Nakata?

6. What information does Kafka provide to Sakura about his sister?

7. What are the themes of the song "Kafka on the Shore"?

8. What realization does the white cat, Otsuka, make about Nakata?

9. What conclusion did Doctor Nakazawa reach after testing the sixteen school children found unconscious in the woods?

10. What is Goma?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While in the library one day, Oshima makes a startling confession about his sexuality. First, explain the truth behind Oshima's sexuality as he described it to Kafka. Then, explain how Oshima's confession affected the gender roles presented in the novel thus far.

Essay Topic 2

In the Prologue to this novel, Kafka warns his friend, Crow, that "Fate is like a small sandstorm that keeps changing directions." What did Kafka mean when he gave his friend this warning? Explain this quote and give at least two examples from the text that exemplify this theory.

Essay Topic 3

Mrs. Saeki's song proves to be the thread that unifies all of the story lines in this novel. Choose at least two key elements of Mrs. Saeki's song and explain how these elements tie the story lines of Nakata and Kafka together. Then, explain whether or not you believe Mrs. Saeki's song is significant enough to warrant the title of this novel, and why.

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This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample