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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. What made-up story does Nobu tell when it's his turn to play "Big Liar"?

2. What does Sayuri tell the Chairman he should do during their brief encounter in chapter 26?

3. What object springs to Sayuri's mind that makes her decide not to let the Chairman's handkerchief fly away at the sea cliffs?

4. Why isn't Pumpkin present the evening that Sayuri's dance moves the Chairman to tears?

5. Which of the geisha Sayuri knew dies in Tokyo during the war?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Sayuri's encounter with Yasuda Akira and what she learns from it.

2. What does Sayuri realize she can do to keep Nobu out of her life forever?

3. How does Sayuri experience her mizuage?

4. Why does Nobu say he's angry with Sayuri at the end of chapter 26?

5. Explain how Sayuri finds herself in a difficult situation when Mameha comes to the okiya to collect on her bet with Mother.

6. Why doesn't Nobu like the Baron?

7. Explain why Sayuri needs to leave Gion after the Chairman becomes her danna and what arrangements are made for her to do so.

8. What does the Chairman say he believes Sayuri's reason is for having seduced the Minister?

9. Explain the disagreement Hatsumomo and Sayuri have about the brooch in chapter 27.

10. What does Sayuri think about on her way to Hakone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Use a specific situation from the story to characterize the topic of exploitation as it recurs throughout the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Recall chapter 22 in which Sayuri watches Mameha dance in "A Courtier Returns to His Wife" and Mother tells Sayuri she will be adopting her. At this point in the story, explain how the author touches on the topic of loss by depicting several of the characters dealing with their own losses by describing who has lost what and how each character copes.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the characterization of men in the novel as opposed to the characterization of women, and back up your answers with specific examples from the book.

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