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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. Who is Shimamura told has a girl living with her that may serve him instead of a geisha?

2. After he has climbed up the mountain for fun, how does Shimamura descend again?

3. What does Komako refuse to close one day when she is staying at the inn with Shimamura?

4. What does Shimamura pretend to look at during his trip to the resort town?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

5. Why does Komako have to leave before daylight?

6. Describe Komako's situation at the time of her first meeting with Shimamura.

7. What hobby interest does Shimamura have?

8. What effect does the weather have on Komako's visit Shimamura's room during his first visit to the resort town?

9. What are Komako's living arrangements like?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Kawabata makes numerous allusions to the Tanabata legend. Discuss the effectiveness of this comparison in the story and why Kawabata makes the comparison.

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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