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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. The girlfriend from whom Tanimura parted before college hailed from what location?

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

3. What does Kafuku tell Misaki Watari after stating that he has wanted to tell her for a while?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does Kafuku feel about Misaki Watari's tendency to remain quiet as she drives?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace the characterization arc of Kino’s character throughout the story entitled Kino. Within your greater argument, discuss whether Kino is a round or flat character and whether he is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the nature of the relationship between the narrator of the story An Independent Organ and Dr. Tokai. Could these characters be considered foils to one another? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about Haruki Murakami's short story collection Men Without Women while using the critical power theory lens of feminist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the book's treatment of gender roles, the objectification of women, female empowerment, misogyny's role within society, or any other issues related to feminist theory that can be found in the book.

(see the answer keys)

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