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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. Where is the crest Jiro sees?

2. Why is Jiro irritable as Kinshi practices?

3. How does Saburo's gang convince a merchant that the merchant is under arrest?

4. How does Yoshida praise the assistant magistrate?

5. Where does Jiro decide to practice his part?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Yoshida react when his play is shut down and what does he decide to do?

2. What does Jiro think about concerning arranging a meeting with Saburo?

3. How does Jiro arrange the meeting with Okada?

4. What happens when the boys are sewing and practicing later that night and how does Yoshida react?

5. What does Hanji tell Jiro and offer to do, and what is Jiro's response?

6. What part is Kinshi assigned in the new play and what does Jiro learn as they go to get puppets for Kinshi to practice?

7. Describe the latest theft Saburo pulls off.

8. What is pinned on the door of the theater and how does Yoshida respond?

9. What does Jiro beg Kinshi to do and what is Kinshi's reply?

10. What does the assistant magistrate first tell Yoshida and what does the assistant magistrate later say?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as The Master Puppeteer help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Master Puppeteer? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Master Puppeteer to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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