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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 is the theme for the season's "Dances of the Old Capital"?

2. Why does Mother suggest that Sayuri and Hatsumomo change rooms?

3. How many geisha were invited to the Iwamura Electric party Sayuri had been disinvited to at the end of chapter 24?

4. Which of the following geisha was Dr. Crab not mizuage patron to?

5. At the end of chapter 23, how long does Mother say she has been talking to Sayuri about adoption?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sayuri spend her time doing during her first week back in Gion after her years with the Arashinos?

2. What happens when Sayuri watches Mameha dance at the performance of "Dances of the Old Capital"?

3. What does Sayuri say in chapter 25 about geisha's talents for making conversation?

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

5. How does Sayuri experience her mizuage?

6. What stories does Sayuri tell when it's her turn to play "Big Liar"?

7. Why doesn't Nobu like the Baron?

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

9. How does the rumor get started that Hatsumomo has been declared mentally unstable?

10. What does Sayuri say at the end of the novel about how passion fades?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain in detail why her first meeting with the Chairman is a significant experience for Chiyo and describe what she decides to do based on this meeting.

Essay Topic 2

Describe how Arthur Golden uses symbols to further the plot in chapters 9 and 10 when Chiyo is trying to decide what to do with her future. Back up your description with several examples from the text, such as Chiyo's dream of the old man opening the window, the dead moth, the several wrapped packages, or Mameha's consultation of the almanac.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout her time in the okiya, Chiyo faces a great deal of adversity. Describe the difficulties she faces and the strategies she develops to deal with these difficulties.

(see the answer keys)

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