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

2. Who regularly accepts Yakukichi's stories?
(a) An international publisher.
(b) A local newspaper.
(c) A national journal.
(d) A local literary magazine.

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

4. What does the initially doctor say is wrong with the narrator's baby?
(a) It a bad tooth.
(b) It has the flu.
(c) It has consumption.
(d) It has an upset stomach.

5. What is the man sitting next to him on the train is wearing?
(a) A rain coat.
(b) A pair of jeans.
(c) Shorts and a t-shirt.
(d) A suit.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Hatsuku mean?

2. What does the author's wife say she has had a premonition about?

3. What was Akutagawa's brother-in-law wearing when he died?

4. Who does the author believe is chasing him?

5. Who does the narrator say was a troublemaker?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the Honda's relative's react to the eulogy?

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

3. Why does Shinsuke struggle to make friends?

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

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

6. What amuses Yasukichi at the end of the story?

7. What does the narrator remember about his father?

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

9. How does Shinsuke deal with what he calls his fake parents?

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

(see the answer keys)

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