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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 character below who says, "Promise me you'll stay out of trouble from now on."

2. How does Yuki feel about her father's new bride?

3. While Yuki runs with Sachiko, she remembers an argument with her mother. How did that argument end?

4. Select the character below who says, "I don't pretend. I hate you."

5. Who rearranged furniture to prepare for the wake?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Yuki smiling at the end of Chapter 9?

2. In the beginning of Chapter 12, what does Yuki intend to do with Shizuko's stored belongings in the attic?

3. What event changes Yuki's temperament and attitude toward her grandparents during her visit in March 1972?

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

5. In Chapter 4, what does Yuki regret saying to Shizuko? Why does she regret this statement?

6. Are Hanae's hostile actions toward Yuki justified in Chapter 8?

7. Name some of the qualities that Yuki shares in common with her late mother Shizuko.

8. In the beginning of Chapter 9, Yuki is thinking about her attempt to convince Mr. Wada that she cannot dissect a frog. What reasons does she give Mr. Wada for being unable to complete the lab activity?

9. What is the first scene at the beginning of Chapter 7?

10. In Chapter 13, why is Hanae angry with the way Hideki raised Yuki?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the book benefits from the author's choice to include flashbacks within many of the chapters.

Part 1) Why are the flashbacks important in defining characters? What are some examples when a flashback has brought new and interesting facts about a character to light?

Part 2) When considering the novel's overall theme of remembrance, why are flashbacks an appropriate vehicle for the story?

Part 3) What are the disadvantages to including flashbacks? What are the merits?

Essay Topic 2

Explore the concepts of individuality versus conformity through the character of Yuki in the novel.

Part 1) In what ways does Yuki conform to society's expectations of her?

Part 2) In what ways does Yuki assert her independence?

Part 3) Relate Yuki's desire to forge her own path to the time period in which the novel is set. In what way is her desire to live by her own rulebook representative of a larger societal trend?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Shizuko's sense of loneliness and isolation to that of Yuki. What causes each to become isolated from others? Compare and contrast the way that these characters cope with the loneliness in their lives. Are these characters in some way responsible for the isolation they face? Why or why not? Is Yuki able to overcome loneliness in her life? If so, how does she accomplish this?

(see the answer keys)

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