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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. In response to Tanimura's comment about Kitaru's feelings about the song Yesterday, Kitaru tells Tanimura to remember that which person had "loved nonsense and word games" (47)?
(a) Keith Richards.
(b) Mick Jagger.
(c) John Lennon.
(d) Sid Vicious.

2. The title of the story "Yesterday" is an allusion to a song by what band?
(a) The Hives.
(b) The Misfits.
(c) The Rolling Stones.
(d) The Beatles.

3. For what reason has Kitaru not had sex with his long-time girlfriend by the time Tanimura accompanies the couple on a date?
(a) Kitaru's religious faith requires his chastity until marriage.
(b) Kitaru sees his long-time girlfriend as more of a sister than as a girlfriend.
(c) Kitaru's long-time girlfriend is committed to waiting until marriage.
(d) Kitaru struggles with erectile dysfunction.

4. How often does Kafuku draw "distinctions between men and women in his daily life" (4)?
(a) Frequently.
(b) Seldom.
(c) Often.
(d) Constantly.

5. When making a point about the obscurity of the Kansai dialect, Kitaru's long-time girlfriend declares that no one has ever translated which book into the Kansai dialect?
(a) Lord of the Flies.
(b) The Catcher in the Rye.
(c) Franny and Zooey.
(d) War and Peace.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the last name of Kitaru's long-time girlfriend?

2. What precipitates the end of the friendship between Kafuku and Takatsuki?

3. What does Kafuku tell Misaki Watari is "a killer" (36)?

4. Kafuku's new driver is described as having ears like what objects?

5. What emotion does Kitaru's long-time girlfriend feel about her boyfriend's suggestion that Tanimura take her out on a date?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How do Tanimura and Kitaru first meet?

3. What is the reason that many of the conversations between Kitaru and Tanimura take place through a crack in the bathroom door?

4. Compare and contrast Kitaru's and Tanimura's feelings about taking baths.

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

6. Discuss Kafuku's history with his beloved Saab.

7. Describe Misaki Watari's appearance.

8. What does the narrator describe as "the most excruciating thing" (17) about Kafuku's experience of knowing about his wife's affairs?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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