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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. Where does Misako's father stop on his way to the puppet theater?

2. What insect pesters Kaname when he is in the garden in Chapter 14?

3. What does O-hisa use hot water for in Chapter 10?

4. Why does Takanatsu refuse to mediate between Kaname and Misako any longer in Chapter 8?

5. How often does Kaname visit Louise?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Kaname note Western-style buildings are erected in Japan?

2. What does Kaname think when he hears Aso will not make Misako any promises?

3. What does Kaname think about as he tries to fall asleep in Chapter 9?

4. In Chapter 8, what does Takanatsu say will prevent Kaname and Misako from ever divorcing? .

5. When does the hotel manager suggest Misako's father and his party should attend the theater? When does Misako's father want to go?

6. How did Japanese puppet shows originate?

7. What establishment does Kaname go to when he reaches Kobe? Why does Kaname like to go to this place?

8. Why do O-hisa and Misako's father have such difficulty tying her kimono sash?

9. What memory does Kaname recall as he is listening to the samisen music? Why does he think this memory is significant?

10. Why does Kaname decide to send a letter to Misako's father to tell him about their divorce? What does Misako's father tell Kaname after he finds out?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze Tanizaki's use of symbolism in the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." What are some examples of symbolism in the novel? What do these symbols represent?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of divorce in the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." Why do Kaname and Misako want to get a divorce? What is making the decision hard to make? How was divorce viewed by Japanese culture in the 1950's?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and interpret Kaname's epiphany. What does he finally come to realize? What events or moments cause him to reach this realization? How might his epiphany change his life?

(see the answer keys)

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