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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. Where does Komako live?

2. What does Shimamura say he let himself believe about the young geisha?

3. Who does Shimamura think Komako would be a good companion for?

4. In reference to the night they spent together, what does Shimamura assure Komako of?

5. How is Komako described by the old woman Shimamura meets in the latter half of Part One ?

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

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

5. What hobby interest does Shimamura have?

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

7. Why does Komako have to leave before daylight?

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

9. What are Komako's living arrangements like?

10. Who does Shimamura observe on the train on his way to the resort town?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel is set in Japan during the 1930's. Discuss Japan in the 1930's and how this setting affects the narrative.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Kawabata's use of symbolism in "Snow Country".

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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