1. 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.

2. What are the special objects that Yuki carries with her on the day of her father's wedding? Why are these items important to her?

3. During Takeo's heart attack in Chapter 14, what seems to be his pervading attitude?

4. Why does the living room appear unfamiliar to Yuki on the day of the wake?

5. In Chapter 10, Yuki recalls how Mr. Kimura told her stories about Shizuko's years as a schoolgirl. What similarities become apparent between the young Shizuko and Yuki?

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

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

8. At the end of Chapter 12, Yuki decides that she must move on and leave behind empty spaces. To what is she referring?

9. Describe Yuki through Masa's eyes in the beginning of Chapter 14.

10. What does Yuki think about when she hears her friends in homemaking class complain about their mothers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how Yuki uses art and color as a vehicle for expressing her emotional condition throughout the novel. How are her feelings communicated indirectly through artistic language or interpretation? What are some examples of instances in the novel when Yuki is able to best describe her state of being through art-related metaphor? How does each character respond to art in a way that is relevant to the story?

Essay Topic 2

For a young person, Yuki lives with a great deal of regret. Write an essay in which you explore the impact of this particular burden on Yuki. What is Yuki's biggest regret? What does she regret more, her actions or her words? Why? Do other characters regret their actions or words? If so, how do their regrets compare to those of Yuki?