View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What reason does Komako have for saying she hates people from Tokyo?

2. After working for a year, how much of her geisha-service contract does Komako say she has already paid off?

3. What is Komako told about Yukio at the train station?

4. Who saw Komako off when she left for geisha training?

5. Why does the music teacher not teach Komako music?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reaction does Shimamura get from Komako when he asks about Yoko's living arrangements?

2. Who is on the train with Shimamura when he leaves the resort town for the second time, and how do they disappoint him?

3. After delivering a note to Shimamura, what does Yoko ask of him concerning her travel plans?

4. What do Shimamura and Komako do the night before he is to leave for Tokyo?

5. What occupation did Yoko once consider, and why did she give it up?

6. Describe the peddler that Shimamura meets.

7. After Yukio's death, what does Komako inform Shimamura about Yoko in Part Two of the novel?

8. What makes Shimamura "strangely reluctant" to call Komako to the inn?

9. What is Komako's point in relating Kikuyu's story to Shimamura?

10. What warning does Shimamura's wife give him before his trip 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

Women in the 1930's behaved and were treated differently than today. How are women portrayed in the story? What role do women play in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Snow holds great meaning in the novel "Snow Country", as can be gathered from its title. Discuss how snow is used to further the plot and exaggerate the imagery and meaning of the story.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 737 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample