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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 say he let himself believe about the young geisha?

2. When he feels cold, what does Shimamura decide to do?

3. What relationship does Shimamura want with Komako?

4. What form of dance does Shimamura find interesting?

5. While spending time with Shimamura after they have discussed her diary-keeping, what does Komako seem to be feeling doubtful of?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Komako express her liking of Shimamura when she visits his room at the inn on his second visit to the resort town?

2. What happens with Komako on a night during Shimamura's first visit to the resort town that contradicts a decision he made earlier?

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

4. Where does Shimamura go the day after his night with Komako, and why might he have left?

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

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

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

8. What are Komako's living arrangements like?

9. Why does Komako bite her own arm?

10. What distracts Shimamura after leaving his inn and the young geisha, and what does he do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the cold and isolated atmosphere of the novel. What is the author trying to express with this atmosphere?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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