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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. How does Shimamura claim money has been sent to him?

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

3. Who does Shimamura ask to hire a geisha for him?

4. Where is Shimamura headed on his journey?

5. What is Komako's room like?

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

3. Why has Komako started working as a geisha, according to the person Kamako meets on his way home from Komako's room?

4. What hobby interest does Shimamura have?

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

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

7. Why does Komako bite her own arm?

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

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

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 ending of the book. What is your interpretation of the ending scene? What significance does it have in regards to the novel as a whole? Is the ending satisfactory?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss and interpret the imagery used at the end of the novel. For instance, what is the meaning behind the Milky Way and Yoko's body floating?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss art and culture as it relates to the novel. What traditional Japanese art and customs are mentioned in the novel? What significance do these examples have on the novel and characters?

(see the answer keys)

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