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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 characters lies about seeing Kafka in order to protect him from the searching police?

2. Who does Hoshino wait to hear from before closing the entrance stone?

3. How does Mrs. Saeki react when Nakata begs to speak with her about the entrance stone?

4. Which of the following is NOT something Hoshino does to pass the time while Nakata sleeps?

5. Which of the following Greek mythologies is a parallel to Kafka's life?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Kafka react when he is approached by the Japanese soldiers in Oshima's woods?

2. How does Mrs. Saeki react when Kafka confronts her about the possibility that she is his mother?

3. How does Colonel Sanders explain his physical form to Hoshino?

4. What book did Mrs.Saeki write after collecting interviews?

5. Who is Colonel Sanders?

6. What happens with Mrs. Saeki sleepwalks into Kafka's bedroom?

7. How does Hoshino care for Nakata after he dies?

8. How does Mrs. Saeki convince Kafka to leave the world of the deserted village and go back where he belongs?

9. What happens to Nakata when Mrs. Saeki rests her hands against his chest?

10. How do Nakata and Hoshino know that the entrance stone is working?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The face of evil took many different forms in this novel - Johnny Walker, Colonel Sanders, and the white salamander. First, describe how each of these creatures embodied the force of evil. Then, explain why each of these beings was so intent on opening the entrance stone.

Essay Topic 2

Both Kafka and Nakata are inexplicably drawn to Southern Japan in search of healing. First, describe the circumstances that draws each man away from his home. Then, compare / contrast the relief each man finds upon finally reaching his destination.

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.

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This section contains 857 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample