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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. In Chapter Seven, where is Suga going to take a new job?

2. What did the yakuza do to Mrs. Yamaya's son?

3. What does the postcard Eiji receives ask him to do?

4. Who is Goatwriter?

5. Who does Ai Imajo urge Eiji to meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the second truck driver Eiji rides with in Chapter Eight want to commit suicide and why does he change his mind?

2. Why is the Nero's delivery truck driver with whom Eiji rides in Chapter Eight alone in his life instead of married?

3. Who is Takara Tsukiyama, and how might he lead Eiji to Eiji's father?

4. How does Eiji's relationship with Ai Imajo change in Chapter Five?

5. How do Mrs. Sasaki and Buntaro become a substitute family for Eiji in Chapter Five?

6. What secrets does Ai Imajo reveal about herself in Chapter Six, and what do her revelations indicate about her changing relationship with Eiji?

7. Explain who Mrs. Yamaya is and describe her visit with Eiji.

8. Why does Suga take a new job in Texas and what gift does he give Eiji upon departing for his new position?

9. Is the earthquake in Tokyo at the end of Number Nine Dream real or fantasy?

10. Why is Eiji's grandfather disappointed in Eiji's father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Two suicides and one contemplated suicide occur in Number Nine Dream. Discuss Mr. Aoyama's suicide, Subaru Tsukiyama's suicide, and Monkfish's contemplation of suicide. What motivates each of them and what theme(s) or lesson(s) do you think the author is trying to convey through these incidents? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Eiji has multiple jobs. Compare and contrast his job at Ueno Station, his job at the Shooting Star video store, and his job at Nero's Pizza. Why does he take each job, what does he learn at each job, and what role does each job play in helping him come to terms with his turbulent family history?

Essay Topic 3

Number Nine Dream is set in Japan, and the Japanese characters are affected by Japan's experience in World War II, geishas and concubines, and other aspects of traditional Japanese culture. Discuss how the geographical and cultural setting affect the story and how the characters and story might differ if David Mitchell had set the novel in the United States or England instead of Japan.

(see the answer keys)

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