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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 has the narrator been hired to write?
(a) A short story.
(b) A novel.
(c) A haiku.
(d) An article.

2. What does the narrator say he does during his mother's funeral?
(a) Sleep.
(b) Laugh.
(c) Cry.
(d) Fidget.

3. What does the author use to help him sleep?
(a) Milk and honey.
(b) Narcotics.
(c) Sleeping pills.
(d) Alcohol.

4. What can't the narrator concentrate on writing his article?
(a) He is too tired.
(b) His wife is nagging.
(c) The baby is crying.
(d) He is worried.

5. What become Shinsuke's primary pastime?
(a) Magazines.
(b) Books.
(c) Stamps.
(d) Antiques.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the narrator's father try to bribe the narrator with?

2. What part of Tokyo was Shinsuke brought up in?

3. Who was the next of the narrator's family to die?

4. What does a traditional Buddhist funeral begin with?

5. What did Honda die from?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it so difficult for Oshino to hide his legs?

2. What are Shinsuke's views on beauty?

3. What happens to the baby?

4. Why does Oshino need new legs?

5. What does the narrator say he remembers about his mother?

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

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

8. What does the doctor say is wrong with the baby?

9. Why does the storyteller think Oshino is so ordinary?

10. Why does Shinsuke struggle to make friends?

(see the answer keys)

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