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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. How many times have they amputated Kenji's leg?

2. Why does Kenji want Ichiro to go for a ride with him after the incident outside the gambling hall?

3. What was the nickname of the small community where the book takes place?

4. How long was Ito in the U.S. Army?

5. Who saves Ichiro from being attacked with a knife?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who yells at Ichiro as he walks past the pool hall in the beginning of the novel and why?

2. Why does Ichiro call Taro a fool?

3. Where has Freddie been before he recently returned home five weeks ago?

4. Why is Ichiro searching for acceptance in the very country in which he was born?

5. Who is Emi and why is she so important to Ichiro?

6. Explain why "good" Japanese-Americans were allowed to fight in the U.S. military against Japan?

7. Why does Ichiro refuse to fight in the war?

8. Why do characters like Ichiro and Freddie feel guilt?

9. Who attacks Ichiro outside of Club Oriental?

10. Why does Ichiro get so upset with his mother in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do you think Ichiro will be a happy man someday? Answer these questions in your response:

1) What will it take for him to be happy?

2) What will it take for him to get over his past?

3) Who is responsible for his happiness?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how bitterness is a continuing theme throughout the novel. In what way is Ichiro bitter? Are other characters affected by bitterness? Are there any solutions to the bitter attitudes displayed by the characters?

Essay Topic 3

What is a "no-no" boy and explain why you think the term was needed to be coined in the first place? Which characters in the novel could be described as no-no boys? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 576 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample