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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. What had ended with a battle near the middle of the board?

2. What do the organizers of the game want to see shortened in the game?

3. Why is the Master bundled up?

4. What are the old rules of the game of go, prior to the doctor check-up?

5. What game is proposed by the sick person after the middle phase of the game?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the Master and Otake spend their time during the rest period?

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

3. Why is Uragami disappointed in Wu's comments for the article?

4. How does Otake apparently take advantage of the rules of the game of go?

5. What happens when Uragami goes to the master and asks him to wait for a day?

6. What does Otake consider a brilliant move by the Master?

7. Why are amateurs disappointed in the game, according to Uragami?

8. What happens as the game enters the middle phase?

9. Despite his declining health, what does the Master continue to have for the game?

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

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

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 3

Describe Wu. What is his role in the story? What was Kawabata trying to accomplish by creating the Wu' character in the novel?

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