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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. Sensei’s family home was how far from the nearest city when he was growing up, according to his letter 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. Why does the narrator’s sister not return home while their father is ill in Part II, My Parents and I?

4. What word from the novel refers to a Japanese stringed instrument consisting of a rectangular wooden body over which are stretched silk strings?

5. 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?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does K’s family dispute conclude in Part III, Sensei’s Testament? How does K feel about the situation?

2. How does Soseki’s father’s health decline as Soseki is preparing to leave for Tokyo in Part II, My Parents and I?

3. How does Soseki’s father’s health correspond to the newspapers in Part II, My Parents and I?

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

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

6. What topic causes strife between Sensei and his adoptive family in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

7. What conversation does Soseki’s father have with Saku-san in Part II, My Parents and I?

8. What conclusion does Sensei reach at the end of his letter in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

9. What is K’s justification for defying his adoptive parents’ wishes in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

10. What does K relate to Sensei of his family dispute and his situation after their third summer holiday in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the character of Soseki’s father in the novel. From what degenerating ailment does Soseki’s father suffer? How does Soseki compare his relationship with his father to his relationship with Sensei?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss women’s roles in Japan in 1912. How are the women in the novel depicted in regard to gender roles and subservience to men? How indicative is this illustration to the time period and Japanese culture? What changes were taking place in this regard during the Meiji era?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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