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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. Why does Childan send samples of his merchandise to the university?

2. What word best describes Wyndam-Matson's reaction when Rita tells him about The Grasshopper Lies Heavy?

3. What does Childan learn about the carrier ship Syokaku from the Tokyo Herald?

4. What does Juliana suggest to Joe is the reason for his overall bitter attitude?

5. Why has Paul Kasoura come to San Francisco?

Short Essay Questions

1. The voice of the radio quotes from The Bible, "What profit it a man if he gain the whole world but in this enterprise lose his soul?" How does this apply to what we have witnessed of this world in Chapter 1?

2. How is the mystery client that comes to place an expensive order with Childan described? What appears to be his real purpose? Who can you assume this client to be, and why is he doing this?

3. In the novel's society, outward appearance is an important part of being accepted. How is this reflected through the characters of Childan and Tagomi as they prepare for important meetings? Do you think there is truth in this practice even today?

4. What do we learn about Hawthorne Abendsen, the author of The Grasshopper Lies Heavy? How does Juliana feel about this novel as compared to Joe?

5. In Chapter 5, Tagomi tells Baynes that many books like the I Ching and The Bible are alive. What does he mean by this? How does this appear to be supported in the text up to the close of this chapter ?

6. Chapter 1 introduces the setting of the novel as being in San Francisco twenty years after World War II. What signs are there that there has been a different outcome to this war from the history as we know it?

7. Despite initiating a relationship with Joe, whom she finds attractive, Juliana begins to feel uncomfortable around him. Why? What might this be foreshadowing?

8. In Chapter 1, the author introduces the characters of Mr. Tagomi and the Kasouras as clients of Childan through the juxtaposition of conversations he has with each. What do we learn about each as a result? How do these clients compare?

9. What appears to be the source of Juliana's depression at the start of Chapter 3? Why might this be considered to be ironic?

10. In Chapter 5, what is further learned about the book The Grasshopper Lies Heavy from Rita's conversation with Wyndam-Matson? How does this conversation create a conflict between them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Childan, when speaking with Paul about Edfrank Jewelry, and Tagomi, upon his return to his office, refer to the masks they wear. Explain what is meant by this. Discuss how it applies to these two characters and to others in the novel. Explain further how this concept helps develop a main theme of the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Philip Dick used the technique of writing a story to create his novel The High Castle. What are the two stories presented? How do they compare? Do you think this is an effective technique? Explain why (or why not). Use specific references throughout your discussion to show the connections and prove ( or disprove) their relevancy and effectiveness.

Essay Topic 3

The characters of Paul, Tagomi, and Childan all have their "moments" with the Edfrank Jewelry. What makes this jewelry different? How has each character reacted to it? What does it come to symbolize overall? Be specific throughout your discussion.

(see the answer keys)

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