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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. Why does Kino say that they are unfortunate to live in Japan?

2. Why was Kino afraid of life at first?

3. One evening, Kino climbs the hill to look at the____________________.

4. Kino's father tells Kino that Jiya is ready to ___________________.

5. Why does Kino's father forbid Kino to speak to Jiya about the Old Gentleman's offer?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Kino show his selflessness regarding Jiya's decision and why does Jiya refuse to stay at the Old Gentleman's castle?

2. How does Kino spend his time during the days when Jiya is healing?

3. Describe how Jiya feels happiness when he returns to be part of Kino's family.

4. Why is the Old Gentleman frustrated with the young men building the house on the beach?

5. Why does Kino think that it would be impossible for Jiya to turn down the Old Gentleman's offer?

6. Where will Jiya build his house and what does he need in order to get started?

7. What is the reason that the Old Gentleman comes up the mountain to see Jiya?

8. What requirement does Kino's father make of Jiya before he makes his decision about living with the Old Gentleman and what is Kino charged with doing regarding Jiya's decision?

9. What is it about the geography of where he lives that makes Kino think he and his family are unfortunate?

10. What is Kino's father's position on why Japanese people don't fear death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pearl Buck is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, and briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Kino. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 3

Buck uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two examples you can identify in the story and note why they are examples of irony.

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