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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Stephen wins a music award, through which continent does he travel on a tour?

2. What is the name of Mr. Barker's daughter?

3. What type of bird do the children see when they climb the bluff in spring?

4. How does Stephen spend his time at Grandmother Nakane's funeral?

5. What is the name of the man who owns the farm that the Nakane family is relocated to?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Naomi is first sent to Obasan's house, she is repulsed by its condition.

Part 1.) Describe the physicality of Obasan's house as it was depicted in the text.

Part 2.) Explain the symbolism that Obasan's house has with memory. Why does Naomi's aversion to memory affect her comfort in Obasan's home?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout her childhood, Naomi moved many times.

Part 1.) Compare / contrast Naomi's life in Slocan with her life in Granton.

Part 2.) Explain why Naomi believed that her life in Granton were the worst years of her life.

Part 3.) Explain the ways that community extended throughout Slocan and what Naomi's place in that society was.

Essay Topic 3

Silence is a revered characteristic in Japanese culture. Explain the significance of silence to the characters in the novel, and explain the effect that silence has on an individual character level within the novel, as well as a cultural level in the era that this novel is set.

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