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

2. When does the Master announce that he will resume playing after visiting the hospital?

3. Who gets more frustrated as the sick person gets sicker after the middle phase of the game?

4. Who insists on playing the game despite the health hazards?

5. What does Otake seem willing to do if the Master will wait one more day to play the game after the recess?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Uragami say will happen if Otake forfeits the game?

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

3. Why is play in August delayed, initially?

4. Why is the second session at Ito left up in the air?

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

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

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

8. How does Otake compromise with the organizers who want to finish the match soon?

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

10. How does the Master make Otake play conservatively?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author used more than one instance of irony in The Master of Go. Cite at least two examples that you can identify in the book and note why they were examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

In The Master of Go, Kawabata's Japanese society shows a conscious appreciation for game playing. What do you think of the game "go" that the Master excels at? Which aspects do you find more or less appealing? How is game playing also associated with power and rebellion?

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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