View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 15, how does Hideki discover that Takeo has died?

2. What emotions does Hideki feel after Yuki leaves for Nagasaki?

3. How does Shizuko help the golden carp as a schoolgirl?

4. How much longer does Yuki have until she leaves for Nagasaki?

5. Why does Mr. Kimura marry Aya?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explore the mother-daughter relationships in the novel.

Part 1) Describe Shizuko's relationship with Yuki.

Part 2) Is Shizuko a traditional Japanese mother? Why or why not? In what way is Shizuko a role model to her daughter?

Part 3) Compare and contrast Yuki's relationship with Shizuko to Yuki's relationship with her stepmother Hanae.

Part 4) Compare and contrast Yuki's relationship with Shizuko with Sachiko's relationship with her mother, Mrs. Murai.

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)

This section contains 373 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample