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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 on the train with Shimamura when he leaves to go back to Tokyo at the end of Part One?

2. What does Komako say is the only accomplishment she has had since last seeing Shimamura?

3. What does Komako excuse herself from the cemetery to do?

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

5. What festival is held in the resort town in February?

Short Essay Questions

1. What discussion does Shimamura overhear in the hallway?

2. How does Komako practice her samisen playing?

3. What is the bird chasing festival?

4. What does Shimamura find when he awakes at the beginning of this section of Part One?

5. Who has Komako signed a geisha contract with and where does she live?

6. At the time of Shimamura's return in Part 2, what is Komako's financial situation like?

7. What is the content of the first note Komako sends to Shimamura, and who does she have deliver it?

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

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

10. Why does Komako not want to visit Yukio's grave?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of ambiguous scenes and characters in the novel. Discuss the author's use of ambiguity and why you think he so often leaves it to the reader to interpret.

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

Discuss how the narrative is affected by the point of view used in the novel. What is kept hidden from the reader because of this point of view?

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