View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Shimamura believe is the relationship between Yoko and Yukio?
(a) Employer and employee.
(b) Husband and wife.
(c) Brother and sister.
(d) Friends.

2. How are Komako's skills described to Shimamura?
(a) As not amateur.
(b) As well-practiced.
(c) As unrefined.
(d) As the best in town.

3. What does Komako make a list of?
(a) Animals she likes.
(b) Books she likes.
(c) Places she likes.
(d) Men she likes.

4. After they sleep together, what does Komako believe Shimamura is laughing at?
(a) Komako.
(b) His wife.
(c) The radio.
(d) Himself.

5. What does Shimamura suddenly find himself enchanted by as he leaves to collect his money?
(a) The leaves on the mountain.
(b) A beautiful geisha.
(c) A quick flowing river.
(d) The smell of the hot springs.

6. What does Shimamura say he let himself believe about the young geisha?
(a) That they hate their jobs.
(b) That they would all be like Komako.
(c) That they are better than other women.
(d) That they would be approving of him.

7. Why is Shimamura told that there are no geishas available?
(a) The weather is to dangerous to travel in.
(b) It is a holiday for the geisha.
(c) Shimamura doesn't have enough money.
(d) There is a celebration in town.

8. The day after Shimamura and Komako sleep together, where does Shimamura depart for?
(a) Osaka.
(b) Tokyo.
(c) A neighboring village.
(d) Niigata.

9. What does Shimamura say seems to be pulling him back to Komako from afar?
(a) The thread of fate.
(b) His heart.
(c) The forefinger of his left hand.
(d) His subconscious.

10. What instrument are geisha heard playing by Shimamura and the old woman he meets?
(a) The flute.
(b) The harp.
(c) The taiko drum.
(d) The samisen.

11. Where does Komako live?
(a) In an apartment with a friend.
(b) A loft in a dilapidated house.
(c) Above a tea house.
(d) In the inn.

12. While spending time with Shimamura after they have discussed her diary-keeping, what does Komako seem to be feeling doubtful of?
(a) Whether her reputation is being damaged.
(b) Whether it is smart to be with Shimamura.
(c) Whether she should stay in the resort town.
(d) Whether she should continue working as a geisha.

13. What is the weather like outside on the night of Komako's visit to Shimamura's room?
(a) It is clear but cold.
(b) It is foggy.
(c) It is snowing heavily.
(d) It is raining heavily.

14. What do Shimamura and Komako talk about?
(a) The mountains.
(b) The hot springs.
(c) Books.
(d) The train.

15. What is Komako's complaint when she calls to Shimamura from the hallway?
(a) She cannot see.
(b) She hurt herself.
(c) She is lost.
(d) She is cold.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Komako do for a living?

2. Where is Shimamura headed on his journey?

3. In the spring, how long had Shimamura spent in the mountains?

4. What relationship does Shimamura want with Komako?

5. What can be said of Komako's mood when she is with Shimamura in the first half of Part One of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 513 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample