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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. How does the police officer react when Nakata admits to Johnny Walker's murder?

2. What does Dr. Shigenori Tsukayama conclude happened to the children in the clearing?

3. How long is the first bus ride on the day that Kafka runs away from home?

4. Who prophesies that fish will fall from the sky?

5. What is the name of Kafka's imaginary companion?

Short Essay Questions

1. What unusual prophecy does Nakata make before leaving the police station?

2. What does Hoshino do during the time that Nakata sleeps at their hotel?

3. What confession does Oshima make when the stern women accuse him of being misogynistic?

4. How does Kafka negotiate a cheaper rate at the hotel where he is staying?

5. How does Kafka react to the presence of the young woman's spirit in his bedroom?

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

7. What trade did Nakata learn when he was in elementary school?

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

9. What happened to the elementary school teacher and her class in November, 1944?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nakata, like Kafka, is a man haunted by his past. First, describe the event that altered Nakata's life forever. Then, explain how this disastrous event affected Nakata's life into adulthood. What ailments continued to plague Nakata long after the event occurred?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Johnny Walker is a malevolent character who seeks entrance to the afterlife. First, describe the character of Johnny Walker and the way that he meets Nakata. Then, explain the way that Johnny Walker has been living and through what means he steals the souls of living creatures. Finally, explain why Nakata was given no choice but to kill Johnny Walker.

(see the answer keys)

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