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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To whose situation does Rodrigues compare his own?

2. Where are the peasants forced to work?

3. How does Rodrigues travel to the town?

4. Who has ordered the peasants' torture?

5. Where are the objects brought in from?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why can Rodrigues and Ferreira no longer get along?

2. How does Rodrigues contradict his own advice during his captivity?

3. How does Rodrigues find comfort even in his dire situation?

4. What routine does Rodrigues settle into in Chapter 6?

5. From what does the snoring sound come?

6. What are Rodrigues' feelings towards Ferreira?

7. Why is Rodrigues transported in a covered caravan?

8. Describe the reappearance of Kichijiro in Chapter 6.

9. How does Rodrigues react to the sound of his jailer snoring?

10. Describe Rodrigues' meeting with the five samurai.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the novel's chronological setting.

1) What were the main concerns in Japan during the 17th century. How does Endo express these concerns?

2) How would the novel's meaning change if it were set in today's society?

Essay Topic 2

Examine Endo's writing style. How would you describe Endo's prose style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? Does he use any specific writing techniques? What meaning does Endo's style give to the story?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Endo use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Aside from the main character, Rodrigues, examine the way Endo uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 665 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample