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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 does Shimamura notice Komako doesn't mention when she talks about Yukio?

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

3. Who thought it was a good idea for Yukio and Komako to marry?

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

5. Why does Komako say she has come to Shimamura's room?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What discussion does Shimamura overhear in the hallway?

5. What does Komako tell Shimamura of the geisha Kikuyu?

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

7. What is Komako's reaction to the news that Yukio is dying?

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

9. How is Komako's samisen delivered to the inn?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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

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