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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. What does Komako say of her work ethic to Shimamura?

2. On the night of the festival, who asks Shimamura whether he ever worries about other people's problems?

3. How does Komako practice music?

4. How long does Komako say it has been since Shimamura last visited the resort town when he returns at the beginning of Part Two?

5. What time in the morning is it when Komako enters Shimamura's room "dead drunk"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the bird chasing festival?

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

6. Describe Komako's drunken arrival at Shimamura's room at three in the morning.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Discuss the relationship of Shimamura and Komako. In your opinion, what is the true nature of their relationship? Do they love each other? What problems have they faced?

(see the answer keys)

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