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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. Who is constantly frustrated with Jiro?

2. Who is to control the snipe?

3. What will Jiro be able to do someday if he is employed properly?

4. Who is Mochida?

5. Why does Fusamu go into fits of shrieking?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Jiro goes home to see his mother?

2. How does Kinshi perform when he takes over for Kwada one day?

3. What does Jiro hope about his father and what is the outcome?

4. What does Jiro discover when he goes to steal the script for the next play?

5. Where does Jiro and his father sell their puppets?

6. Why does Jiro make mistakes and how does his mother react?

7. How does Jiro help his father and how does this help his family?

8. What play does Okada finish and what do the apprentices worry about concerning the new play?

9. Why is Jiro almost attacked and who saves him?

10. Where do Jiro and his father go and spend their money, and who do they talk to there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Katherine Peterson.

2. What in Peterson's background may have helped him in writing The Master Puppeteer? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Master Puppeteer. Questions that Peterson most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Peterson' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Peterson' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Peterson and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Jiro and Kinshi. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Saburo and Kinshi. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Master Puppeteer help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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