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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. In whose kitchen does Mikage's dream take place?

2. What does Yuichi want Mikage to make using the item he brings home?

3. Where does Yuichi work part-time?

4. What is the first truly fun moment for Mikage since she experiences family loss?

5. In Mikage's dream, what is Yuichi doing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What role does the kitchen play in Mikage's life before she moves in with the Tanabe family?

2. Describe the daydream that Mikage has after her dinner with Yuichi.

3. In what ways does Mikage cope with the loss of her grandmother?

4. Describe Eriko's death.

5. Why does Mikage agree to move in with the Tanabe family?

6. How does Mikage know Yuichi before they become housemates?

7. How does Part Three have a dream-like quality?

8. What do the bridge and river represent in this story?

9. Describe Mikage's meeting with Sotaro.

10. Why does Mikage bring food to Yuichi at night?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In all three chapters, there are eccentric secondary characters. How are these characters added to accelerate the events in the novel? How is sexual ambiguity explored using these characters? Why is this significant?

Essay Topic 2

The dreams in all three chapters have significance to the rest of the story. Describe one dream, or dream-like element of each chapter, and analyze the significance to its specific chapter.

Essay Topic 3

Destiny and spirituality are themes in all three chapters of Kitchen. Analyze the way the author uses these themes to tell the story. How is destiny prevalent in the three chapters? What about spirituality? Why are these themes relevant?. Use at least one quote per chapter to prove your points.

(see the answer keys)

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