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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What kind style story is Spinning Gears?
(a) A melodrama.
(b) A biography.
(c) An autobiography.
(d) An epic poem.

2. What is Sasaki's rank?
(a) Colonel.
(b) Major.
(c) Admiral.
(d) General.

3. What does the critic call Yasukichi's writings?
(a) Ramblings of a genuis.
(b) Over-wroght.
(c) Spare-time jottings.
(d) Dull and techically awful.

4. What does Shinsuke start to take a dislike of?
(a) Prettier parts of town.
(b) Laborers.
(c) Posher people.
(d) University students.

5. What does the storyteller say Hanzaburo's legs are covered with?
(a) Spiders.
(b) Fleas.
(c) Flies.
(d) Manure.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whose obituary is printed at the end of the story?

2. What does Shinsuke blame for his lack of physical prowess?

3. Why does the author say he has to stop the story?

4. Who does Yasukichi work for?

5. What does Shinsuke say his parents fake?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Oshino suddenly unable to control his legs?

2. Summarize the Spinning Gears story.

3. What does the author's sister tell him about the death of her husband?

4. Why does Yasukichi write cliches and sentimental clap-trap in the eulogy?

5. What are Shinsuke's views on beauty?

6. Describe the image at the river Shinsuke says affects him deeply.

7. What does the narrator remember about his father?

8. What does the Life of the Stupid Man say about Akutagawa's state of mind?

9. Why does Shinsuke come to appreciate the fact his mother did not breast feed him?

10. Why does Akutagawa become so upset about the raincoat?

(see the answer keys)

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