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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. Who is the narrator of the story "Yesterday"?
(a) Tanimura and Kitaru.
(b) Tanimura.
(c) Kitaru.
(d) Tanimura, Kitaru, and Erika.

2. When it is revealed that Kafuku's new driver's surname is Watari, what is given as her first name?
(a) Misaki.
(b) Shinohashi.
(c) Gaien Nishi Dori.
(d) Meijiya.

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

4. Tanimura had wanted to become a new person when he took what action?
(a) When he severed his friendship with Kitaru.
(b) When he broke up with his long-time girlfriend.
(c) When he went to Kansai to attend college.
(d) When he went to Tokyo to attend college.

5. When Kitaru describes feelings as if he is splitting himself in two, he names what two emotions?
(a) Curiosity and depression.
(b) Sadness and excitement.
(c) Worry and relief.
(d) Elation and apprehension.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the man who routinely services Kafuku's car?

2. For what period of time does the friendship between Kafuku and Takatsuki last?

3. When Haruki Murakami uses a simile to indicate Kafuku's level of trust in Oba, what metal does he reference?

4. How often does Kafuku draw "distinctions between men and women in his daily life" (4)?

5. For what reason does Tanimura dislike baths?

Short Essay Questions

1. What evidence does Kafuku give for his claim that Misaki Watari is an "excellent driver" (9)?

2. Describe Misaki Watari's appearance.

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

4. What precipitates Kafuku's need for a driver?

5. For what reason does Kitaru feel a measure of relief about failing his exams?

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

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

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

9. How do Tanimura and Kitaru first meet?

10. What is the significance of Kafuku's reaction to sitting in the passenger seat of his Saab after 12 years of driving?

(see the answer keys)

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