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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Wegener give the cigarette case to Tedeki?
(a) It exemplifies the latest in scientific invention.
(b) It is to be used to signal success.
(c) It symbolizes the union of Germany and Japan.
(d) It contains proof of his message.

2. In Chapter 12, what dilemma does Wegener's suggested plan of action present to the Japanese?
(a) Assisting evil to gain peace.
(b) Losing territorial rights to maintain independence.
(c) Permitting German law to advance technology.
(d) Denying faith to achieve power.

3. While dining with the Kasouras, what word does Childan use to initially describe his own behavior?
(a) Supportive.
(b) Charming.
(c) Robotic.
(d) Barbaric

4. As Childan sits on the carpet with the Kasouras, what do his thoughts reveal about how he has resolved his earlier merchandise problems?
(a) He is getting reimbursed by Calvin.
(b) He is finding a new supplier.
(c) He is moving to another location.
(d) He is buying from Wyndam-Matson.

5. As Chapter 7 closes, what gives Childan a feeling of "excitement and anticipation?"
(a) The selection of the new German leader.
(b) His future with the Kasouras.
(c) The new directions his business is taking.
(d) The rumors of a civil war.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Chapter 10 closes, how does Tagomi's message from the I Ching come true?

2. What does Tagomi fear about The Oracle that has him so upset?

3. What does the raised eyebrow and slight smile Childan detects on Paul's face after having demanded an apology from him suggest?

4. Why does Childan feel he must read The Grasshopper Lies Heavy?

5. At the meeting in Tagomi's office, what information does Wegener share with Tedeki and Tagomi?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Tagomi shocked when the elderly man shows up for the meeting with Baynes? What concerns does Tagomi share with him? What is the visitor's reaction to these concerns?

2. Reiss speaks about the "power of fiction" and sees The Grasshopper Lies Heavy as dangerous. In what way can it be dangerous?

3. Toward the end of Chapter 14, Reiss comes to visit Tagomi. What is the purpose of his visit? How does Tagomi react to this? What is this further revealing about Tagomi's character in light of the conflicts he has been facing, both externally and internally?

4. Vom Meere tells Reiss he received an anonymous phone call from a Japanese official regarding an appointment with a Swedish industrialist. Who most likely made this call? Why? How does this later impact on him?

5. In Chapter 13, when Juliana questions the change in Joe's appearance, he replies, "I'm tired of being a wop." What changes in Joe does she witness? How can his statement be interpreted in more than one way? What is being implied here?

6. As Juliana continues to read The Grasshopper Lies Heavy, the reader learns more of its contents. What are some ways Abendsen has changed the history of his world? What do Juliana's and Joe's reactions to these changes say about each of them?

7. The Kasouras seem to be obsessed with the American way and their American guest and go out of their way to treat him as an equal. How is this demonstrated? What aspect of early 1960s America does this reflect?

8. In response to Paul's return of the jewelry, it is said that "long habit had caused Childan to suppress any show of authentic feelings ... He could sense it there..the mask." What is this saying about Childan? What other characters do we find wearing "masks"? Why? What does this further say about this society in general?

9. What similarities can be seen between Tagomi's situation, actions, and reactions as Chapter 12 ends and those of Juliana as Chapter 13 ends?

10. Back in the park, Tagomi thinks of his perception of the world as an optical distortion saying, "our space and our time creations of our own psyche, and when these momentarily falter ... all sense of balance is gone." What does this mean? How does it relate to Tagomi's present state of mind?

(see the answer keys)

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