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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. Oba guesses that Kafuku's future driver is about how old?
(a) In her mid-twenties.
(b) In her late teens.
(c) In her mid-thirties.
(d) In her early twenties.

2. For what reason does Tanimura dislike baths?
(a) He has a phobia about germs.
(b) He is scared of water.
(c) He does not like to get wrinkled skin.
(d) He gets bored.

3. What emotion does Kitaru's long-time girlfriend feel about her boyfriend's suggestion that Tanimura take her out on a date?
(a) Pride.
(b) Curiosity.
(c) Sadness.
(d) Anger.

4. How does Kafuku feel about sitting in the back of his own car once Watari begins to act as his driver?
(a) He gets carsick.
(b) He likes to stare at Watari's birthmark.
(c) He finds the view from a different perspective refreshing.
(d) He feels emasculated.

5. The narrator states that Kafuku generally remains silent unless what condition is met?
(a) He is giving an interview to the press.
(b) If he knows a person well and is talking to them about things that matter.
(c) He is acting.
(d) He is spoken to first.

Short Answer Questions

1. From what location does Tanimura hail?

2. What activity does Kafuku love to do, "regardless of the season" (6)?

3. When Kitaru describes feelings as if he is splitting himself in two, he names what two emotions?

4. Kafuku describes his new, as yet unnamed, driver as having "strikingly clear eyes" (7) that look out on the world in what way?

5. Who is the narrator of the story "Yesterday"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss Murakami's use of Tanimura and Kitaru as character foils for one another.

2. Provide a brief Marxist analysis of the story "Yesterday," focusing on one scene in particular to prove your claim.

3. What are the conditions of Misaki Watari's employment with Kafuku?

4. How is the theme of regret depicted within Kafuku's reflections on his late wife and their life together?

5. How do Tanimura and Kitaru first meet?

6. How does the theme of perseverance emerge within Erika's comments about Tanimura's break-up with his high school girlfriend?

7. How is the theme of transformation depicted within the ending of the story "Drive My Car"?

8. Which of Misaki Watari's qualities make her a perfect fit for her role as Kafuku's personal driver?

9. In what activities do Erika and Tanimura take part during their date together?

10. Discuss the nature of Kafuku's love for his late wife.

(see the answer keys)

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