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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. What does Shimamura hear, which he says 'rings out clearly'?

2. What does Komako find strange that Shimamura hadn't mentioned?

3. Why does Komako bite her arm?

4. Who does Komako says is entitled to decided when a geisha is dismissed?

5. Why does Komako blame Shimamura for sleeping with her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Komako bite her own arm?

2. What secrets about herself does Komako reveal when she visits Shimamura's room at night during his second visit to the resort town?

3. Why doesn't the young geisha sent to Shimamura interest him?

4. What kind of relationship does Shimamura apparently want with Komako?

5. Where is Shimamura headed at the beginning of the story, and who does he plan to meet?

6. What symbolism does Shimamura see in the reflection of Yoko's face in the window?

7. What excuse does Shimamura use to leave his room with the geisha?

8. While sitting on the train on his way to the resort town, what does Shimamura discreetly look at?

9. What opinions does Shimamura express about Komako's catalog?

10. When Shimamura arrives for his second visit to the resort town, how many days does Komako say it has it been since she and Shimamura spent their night together, and how can she be sure of this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the female leads of the novel: Komako and Yoko. Compare and contrast the following:

a) Komako's and Yoko's personality traits.

b) Komako's and Yoko's role in the story.

c) Komako's and Yoko's relationship with Shimamura.

Essay Topic 2

Is "Snow Country" a romance? Why or why? Use examples from the text to illustrate your opinion.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the relationship of Shimamura and Komako. In your opinion, what is the true nature of their relationship? Do they love each other? What problems have they faced?

(see the answer keys)

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