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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. As time passes, Setsu has grown into a pretty, _______________ girl.

2. What do the men say when Kino asks them if they are worried about the big wave coming back?

3. In what season do Jiya and Setsu marry?

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

5. Kino's father thought that Jiya would be a __________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Jiya prepare his house so that he and Setsu can live there and not be afraid of another big wave coming?

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

4. Why is Kino's father open to the offer that the Old Gentleman makes regarding Jiya?

5. What does Jiya say that shows his humility when the Old Gentleman says that Jiya is the best boy in the village?

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

7. Kino's father says that Jiya will be happy again only when he is able to do what?

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

9. 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?

10. What reason do two men give to Kino and Jiya for building a house on the beach?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of the Old Gentleman. 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 2

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 3

Create a brief character study of Jiya. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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