View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the Master talk openly to others about?

2. What does the Master seem to lack at the final match, according to Uragami?

3. What does Uragami's opponent on the train seem to lack?

4. What does Otake do while the Master diverts himself with other games?

5. How long does the recess in the match last?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Kume visits the Master and suggests a doctor for him?

2. Why does Otake think the Master should not play in August?

3. How are the rules changed to adjust to the Master's health?

4. What does Otake threaten to do that the Master does not know about?

5. How does the Master respond to Otake's move as Chapter 21 begins?

6. Why does Otake consider forfeiting because of the new rules?

7. Why does the Master's wife want to hide details about his health?

8. Why is Uragami coming and going in between sessions of the game of go?

9. What does Uragami think of his match with the American on the train?

10. Why does Uragami think Otake takes so long to play his move?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Politics play a significant role in the book. Kawabata refers to the politics of the Japanese society of The Master of Go compared to that of China. Discuss the use of politics in the novel. How does politics influence the actions of the main characters of the Master, Otake, and others? Also, examine the use of politics in relationships.

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

What was the importance of avoiding conflict, according to Otake? How was he supportive? How was he distant? How did Otake find himself alone, often? How did his competitiveness affect this? What were his feelings about this? Did this change over time? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 818 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample