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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 Uragami notice the Master's right eyebrow?

2. How long does Uragami think the match will take?

3. What kind of health condition is the Master in during the last game?

4. What does the Master seem casual about delaying?

5. When the Master attained his title, what was expected of him?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Master reveal his desire for enough time to not worry about time in games?

2. What does Uragami admit to having for the Master?

3. Why is Otake teased in the newspaper articles about the match?

4. Why do many players play with the Master?

5. How does the Master act during the game of go that is revealed in his breathing?

6. What is the ceremonial opening for the go game like?

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

8. What are some concessions made for the game that seem very difficult to follow?

9. Why do Uragami and the Master's wife take the Master to the sea in between sessions?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare "The Master of Go" with another of Kawabata's other books that deal with socialist issues. Which is, in your opinion, better? Explain. What future scenarios might you want to see in upcoming books? Which characters would you like to see portrayed? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Explain Kawabata's use of humor in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of humor and explain why the author used them where he did.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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