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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. For what reason does Kino quit his job in the sporting goods industry?

2. Kamita gives Kino what explicit advice as Kino sets off on his long journey?

3. What does Goto tell the narrator had been the cause of Dr. Tokai's decision to live no longer?

4. What fraction of the women who had broken up with Dr. Tokai in order to marry another man had eventually gotten back in touch with Dr. Tokai?

5. To what work is Habara alluding when he decides to refer privately to his support liaison as Scheherazade?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Kino's feelings toward his ex-wife and her lover, who had also been Kino's colleague?

2. Describe Scheherazade's routine upon arriving at Habara's house twice per week.

3. How does the theme of appearance versus reality emerge within the stories that Scheherazade tells to Habara?

4. The narrator states that "affable" (83) people almost always have what other qualities?

5. To what work is the title of the story "Scheherazade" referring and what is the significance of the title?

6. How is the theme of secrecy depicted within the story entitled "An Independent Organ"?

7. Discuss the significance of Murakami's use of a simile to describe the moment when Dr. Tokai falls in love.

8. What is the symbolism inherent in Kino's bar?

9. How does Kino come to own a bar and what had he done for work prior to the purchase?

10. What attitude does the unnamed narrator have about the prospect of having children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How do the themes of deception and secrecy function within the book and what is Murakami's message regarding these themes?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Murakami's focus on the theme of transformation in Haruki Murakami's short story collection Men Without Women. What message is being sent about the nature of change?

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