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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. Why is one of the girls Toru meets going to Nagano?

2. At what station did Toru and Naoko get off the train together?

3. What word does Naoko call "a man's word"?

4. What happened on campus in May?

5. What could Toru hear in the distance while he and Naoko were in the meadow?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Naoko say it would be wrong for her to stay with Toru all the time?

2. What did Naoko tell Toru in the letter she sent him in July 1969?

3. Describe Toru's roommate.

4. What was the morning ceremony at the dormitory where Toru lived as a college student?

5. How did Toru become friends with Nagasawa?

6. How does the dining hall at Ami Hostel compare to the dining hall at Toru's dormitory?

7. How did Ami Hostel come into existence?

8. Describe Area C.

9. How did Toru first meet Naoko?

10. What sorts of things do Naoko and her fellow patients do for entertainment at the hostel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what way does Murakami use sex to represent the ways in which people communicate with one another? Please use at least three examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Murakami's use of the character Reiko to advance the idea that one has to choose to be happy.

Essay Topic 3

One of the motifs Murakami uses in his novel to represent the disconnect between society and individuals is unexplained suicide. Explain how he uses this motif to enhance the theme(s) of his novel.

(see the answer keys)

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