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

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 16, what does Tadashi do when Masa asks for his help weeding the garden?

2. Why does Hideki no longer fear what death will be like?

3. Why does Aya want Yuki to come to her wedding?

4. In Chapter 10, why is Yuki unable to sleep the night Mr. Kimura visits the house?

5. In the beginning of Chapter 11, who is Saburo's wife?

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

At the end of the book, there is an uplifting sense of hope and optimism for the future. How does this contrast with the tonality at the beginning of the novel? Has the change been slow and gradual, or does the emotive quality break free of its chains within a single instance? If so, what triggers the change? Explore the tonality of the novel from beginning to end through the voice of 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)

This section contains 385 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample