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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. In Chapter 10, what time do the puppet plays begin at the theater?

2. How does Takanatsu feel about Misako's situation with Aso in Chapter 7?

3. How often does Kaname visit Louise?

4. How long has Misako been seeing Aso for?

5. How long does O-hisa wander around looking for a bathroom?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the puppet theater in Chapter 11.

4. What does Misako's father explain Kaname did by allowing Misako to see Aso?

5. How did Hiroshi find out about his parents' separation?

6. At the end of Chapter 12, what makes Kaname think it is unacceptable for him to stay with Misako?

7. How does Kaname explain Misako has changed in Chapter 14?

8. In Chapter 10, what does O-hisa say she would rather be doing than going to see the theater shows?

9. What does Kaname look forward to seeing when he visits his father-in-law in Chapter 9? Why does Misako's father play the samisen with his eyes closed?

10. In Chapter 8, what does Kaname recall about the early stages of his marriage's breakdown?

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

What struggles does Kaname face throughout the novel? What are the causes of these struggles? How does he overcome them?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and interpret the character Kaname. What are his defining character traits? What role does he have in the novel? Is he an influential character? Why or why not? What major events take place in his life during the narrative? How do these events impact his life?

(see the answer keys)

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