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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. Select the correct sequence of events in Chapter 7 from the list below.

2. Who rearranged furniture to prepare for the wake?

3. What does Hideki's bride wear to the wedding ceremony?

4. What kind of clothes did Shizuko make for Yuki before she died?

5. Where does the wedding of Hideki and his new bride take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Yuki feel like she must go to a college that is far away from her parents?

2. Why does Yuki hope to never fall in love? On what does she base her mistrust in love?

3. What kind of relationship does Shizuko have with her daughter Yuki?

4. At the beginning of Chapter 7, why is Masa disappointed in Yuki?

5. Yuki often remembers her mother Shizuko through smells and colors. Describe some of the occasions in Chapter 9 in which Yuki recalls her mother due to these sensory catalysts.

6. How does it make Yuki feel as she observes Sachiko interacting with her mother after the track meet?

7. Why does Takeo believe that he is developing a hearing problem?

8. In Chapter 15, Yuki convinces herself that what she feels for Isamu is only friendship. Is Yuki telling the truth?

9. Why is it important to Yuki to transport the flowers from the old house to the new house?

10. Why does Yuki decide against thanking her father for letting her attend Aya's wedding?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the symbolism of flowers, specifically irises and azaleas, in the novel.

Part 1) Relate these symbols to Yuki's life and the novel's central themes.

Part 2) In what way do these symbols reveal Yuki's inner feelings?

Part 3) Explain how these symbols help to tell Yuki's story.

Essay Topic 2

Examine Yuki's relationship with her father and stepmother and how the lack of respect from all involved parties has created a rift in the family. Yuki is utterly unable to connect with her new set of parents after Shizuko's death, and in turn, Hideki and Hanae find Yuki to be contemptible.

Part 1) How does Yuki's initial behavior at Hideki and Hanae's wedding set the tone for their future relationship?

Part 2) How does Yuki's attitude toward her father and stepmother compound their overall disdain and mistrust?

Part 3) What other factors contribute toward the lack of communication and understanding between family members?

Part 4) How does Hanae create tension between Hideki and Yuki? Is she the primary aggressor of the household? Why or why not?

Part 5) Takeo tells Yuki that respect must be earned before it can be given. What is he trying to tell Yuki?

Essay Topic 3

Who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist of the novel?

Part 1) Examine the novel, taking into account the multiple points of view and lasting actions of each character, and determine an answer.

Part 2) What evidence supports each choice?

Part 3) What actions do the characters take that make them suitable for these roles?

(see the answer keys)

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