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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. When Sensei asks for Ojosan’s hand in marriage, he says the conversation does not last longer than what in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

2. Sensei has a dining table specially made for Okusan by a furniture maker where in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

3. Past what temple does Sensei walk after crossing the Mansei Bridge in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

4. What does the narrator buy to put on the flag pole after Emperor Meiji’s death in Part II, My Parents and I?

5. Sensei claims in Part III, Sensei’s Testament, that Sensei’s family attempted to force him into a marriage with whom while he was in college?

Short Essay Questions

1. What explanation does Sensei give for his lack of earlier response to Soseki’s letter in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

2. What warning does Okusan give Sensei when he first broaches the topic of K coming to live at the house in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

3. What are the conflicting objectives presented to Soseki by his mother in Part II, My Parents and I?

4. When does Sensei tell Soseki he began to respect him in his letter in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

5. What does Soseki’s father say after Soseki’s arrival to cause Soseki to feel remorse in Part II, My Parents and I?

6. What does Sensei learn of his adoptive father from a friend in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

7. How does Soseki’s father greet him when he arrives home in Part II, My Parents and I? What is Soseki’s impression?

8. Why does Soseki’s mother urge Soseki to write to Sensei in Part II, My Parents and I?

9. What happens with K’s family during their third summer holiday from school in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

10. Where does Sensei move after severing ties with his adoptive family in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of Kokoro. In what ways is the narrative related and what effect does this have on the reader?

b. How does Kokoro compare with other novels written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Soseki’s writing?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of monetary greed in Kokoro. What characters illustrate this theme clearly? How is Sensei’s past affected by greed? What impact did this have on Sensei and his feelings for humanity?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Sensei’s opening words to Soseki in Part III, Sensei’s Testament. What does Sensei tell Soseki regarding their previous discussion of trust? How does Sensei explain his lack of correspondence after Soseki’s letter? When does Sensei say he began to respect Soseki?

(see the answer keys)

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