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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is the Old Gentleman angry at the young men building the house?
(a) They are making too much noise.
(b) They are foolish to leave the safety of his castle.
(c) They don't know anything about construction.
(d) They are desecrating sacred ground.

2. Why is there a commotion on the hillside as the young men talk about building the house on the beach?
(a) The villagers speculate about the house.
(b) The Old Gentleman approaches.
(c) Reporters have come to do a story about the new house.
(d) A house has caught on fire.

3. Why does the Old Gentleman come up the hill?
(a) To get some exercise.
(b) To buy vegetables.
(c) To see Jiya.
(d) To bring fresh water.

4. Kino's father says that living in the midst of danger _______________________.
(a) Helps them know how good life is.
(b) Keeps them alert.
(c) Causes many psychological problems.
(d) Causes stress.

5. Why was Kino afraid of life at first?
(a) He didn't know anything about it.
(b) He was in pain.
(c) He didn't know how he got there.
(d) He didn't know where he belonged.

6. Which of the following is NOT a reason that Kino's father thinks Japanese people are fortunate?
(a) They do not fear death because it is part of life.
(b) They live bravely.
(c) They have beautiful art.
(d) They love life because they live in danger.

7. The Old Gentleman wishes to make Jiya his son if Jiya is ___________________________.
(a) A hard worker.
(b) A fisherman's son.
(c) Smart.
(d) As good as he is handsome.

8. Kino's father assures Kino that life is stronger than __________________.
(a) Death.
(b) Greed.
(c) Fear.
(d) Grief.

9. What is Jiya's demeanor as he surveys the Old Gentleman's castle?
(a) He is ecstatic.
(b) He is silent.
(c) He is sad.
(d) He is uneasy.

10. Kino thinks that Jiya would be ________________ to marry a certain girl.
(a) Stupid.
(b) Sorry.
(c) Foolish.
(d) Lucky.

11. Living in the midst of danger makes people _____________________.
(a) Angry and resentful.
(b) Nervous and skittish.
(c) Brave and strong.
(d) Loving and kind.

12. What does Jiya call Kino to see at the beach one day?
(a) Girls are sunning and swimming.
(b) Two men are building a house.
(c) An octopus has washed up on shore.
(d) Another big wave is coming.

13. What does Kino do while Jiya learns about the Old Gentleman's offer?
(a) Reads a book.
(b) Takes a nap.
(c) Works in the field.
(d) Peeks in the window.

14. According to Kino, what are the two forces of evil in the lives of people he knows?
(a) Poverty and greed.
(b) Drugs and alcohol.
(c) Greed and gluttony.
(d) The volcano and the ocean.

15. Why are the men building a house on the beach?
(a) They need more room for relatives.
(b) They think it is a good location.
(c) Someone is paying them to do it.
(d) They are tired of not having their own home.

Short Answer Questions

1. What item of Kino's does Setsu hide on her wedding day?

2. Why does Jiya tell the Old Gentleman that his castle is not safe either?

3. Kino's father says that their people do not fear death because ________________________.

4. Why does Jiya never speak of his loneliness since the big wave?

5. According to Kino's father, death is the great____________________.

(see the answer keys)

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