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

Short Answer Questions

1. At the end of Chapter 9, what is Yuki's reaction to what she has done with the dead frogs?

2. In Chapter 11, how has Yuki's grandfather changed since she last saw him?

3. What does Mr. Kimura teach when he meets Yuki in Chapter 10?

4. At the end of Chapter 15, why does Yuki ask Isamu to meet her in the park?

5. What does Yuki collect along with the leaves for her homemaking class?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though the novel is set primarily in the early 1970s, is its commentary on women and society is still relevant today? Why or why not? How would the novel's themes differ if the story were set in the United States during the same time period?

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

Yuki dresses differently than her peers, and her clothing holds a special place in her heart.

• Explain Yuki's emotional attachment to her clothes. Why are they so important to her? What role do they play in preserving her mother's memory?

• Examine the scene in which Aya asks Yuki to change her clothing for the wake.

• Why is Yuki reluctant to do so? Analyze the symbolism of Yuki hiding in her closet, among her clothes, on the day of the wake.

• What is it about Yuki's clothing that disturbs her grandmother?

• When throws away the Yuki's childhood clothing, how does this act impact Yuki?

• What is Yuki's motivation for sketching the clothes her mother had made for her?

(see the answer keys)

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