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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 Masa find on the window screen of the house?

2. In Chapter 14, what does Masa believe about becoming an artist?

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

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

5. In Chapter 14, why does Yuki become a vegetarian?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the author's choice to include multiple points of view changes the perceptions of the reader.

• How has including the perspectives of other characters changed the role of Yuki? Has it influenced how one views her?

• Does reading the point of view of another character allow for more understanding or sympathy? Why or why not?

• How has this narrative technique helped the story? How has it hindered it?

• Why has the author chosen these particular sections to switch the point of view, particularly in the epilogue? What are some possible reasons to do so?

Essay Topic 2

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Yuki does not reject the past but rather attempts to bridge well-loved portions of the past with her present and future. How Yuki accomplishes this changes throughout the duration of the novel as she learns how to best respect and preserve memories. Describe Yuki's progression, from Shizuko's suicide to the epilogue of the book, in regards to preserving the past.

• What kind of behavior does Yuki exhibit that may be considered unhealthy? Why is it unhealthy?

• What is the difference between physical and mental reminders? How is it important?

• Relate Yuki's efforts to others in the novel. How are other characters' methods or beliefs different from her own?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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