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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. When does the hotel manager suggest Kaname and his hosts should head to the puppet theater?

2. What does O-hisa need Misako's father to help her with in Chapter 10?

3. Why are Western-style buildings being put up in some areas of Japan?

4. How many holy places will Misako's father's pilgrimage stop at?

5. What are Misako's clothes made of?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What has Misako's father done to ensure O-hisa will be taken care of after he dies?

4. After six months of crying nightly, what did Misako finally admit to Kaname? What did Kaname and Misako agree to after her confession?

5. 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?

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

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

8. What does Kaname imagine about O-hisa at the end of Chapter 10?

9. After assuring Takanatsu that Aso's intentions are honorable, what does Takanatsu assume?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of marriage in the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." What problems are Kaname and Misako dealing with in their marriage? What does Kaname think of marriage in general? What does Misako think of marriage in general?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Tanizaki's use of metaphor in the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." What are some examples of metaphor in the novel? How do these metaphors relate to the novel's themes?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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