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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. According to the agreement governing the match, where would the players move to an inn?

2. What does the Master's odd bent position remind Uragami of?

3. What is the Koyokan?

4. What does the Master do that resembles a violent struggle internally?

5. What is Uragami not confident in doing, regarding skills?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Master fail to keep rules when it rains?

2. Why do many players play with the Master?

3. Why is the Master not a popular opponent?

4. Why does Uragami think the Master plays with Otake?

5. What are the events that happen immediately after the end of the match?

6. Why does the Master go into another room with his white stone?

7. How does Kawabata frame the novel through Chapters 2 and 4?

8. What does Uragami notice in a photograph of the Master that he adds in his article?

9. On the first day of play, what does Otake apologize for and why does he do this?

10. Why is Otake willing to forfeit the game?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the main themes in the book is ethical and social responsibility. List at least four examples where Kawabata employs this specific theme. Is the battle between making ethical choices obvious or subtle? What characters are involved in this kind of battle? Do you think the right person or group won? Does good always triumph over evil in the case of The Master of Go ethics? Where do these definitions appear vague or incomprehensible?

Essay Topic 2

Kawabata uses more than one iteration on the motif of socialism. Identify at least two motifs about socialism and workers' rights in the book. Then, cite an example to support each answer.

Essay Topic 3

Describe some of the settings for The Master of Go. What is the overall setting? How does Japan change over time? How is the Eastern part different from the Western part? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did the author choose to use these places in The Master of Go?

(see the answer keys)

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