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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did Kenzo stay in Tarumi?
(a) To be close to Sachi.
(b) To care for his sister.
(c) To care for his parents.
(d) To run his business.

2. Why does Matsu say he decides to visit Tama with Stephen?
(a) He wants to pray for Sachi.
(b) He wanted company.
(c) He felt Stephen needed to go.
(d) He felt that Stephen would not go on his own.

3. What New Year's gifts does Stephen receive from his family?
(a) A daruma doll.
(b) A setsbun.
(c) Clothes, a watch, and books.
(d) Canvas and paints.

4. To whom does Stephen give a miniature pine tree in a clay planter?
(a) Matsu.
(b) His mother.
(c) Keiko.
(d) Sachi.

5. Why does Sachi say Tomoko contracted leprosy?
(a) The girls were vain.
(b) She ate poorly.
(c) Their family was poor.
(d) The girls spent too much time indoors.

6. What is Stephen's first impression of the person who meets him at the station?
(a) That he enjoys solitude.
(b) That he has a secret.
(c) That he is an angry man.
(d) That he yearns for company.

7. Why doesn't Sachi hide at Matsu's house?
(a) She is tired of hiding.
(b) She thinks Stephen is entering.
(c) She doesn't hear anyone enter.
(d) She is angry.

8. What reason does Stephen's father give for sending his mistress a large sum of money?
(a) The money was to invest in a new business.
(b) The money was to help her get through the war.
(c) The money was to pay for a child he had with her.
(d) The money was to pay for her medical bills.

9. What does Stephen say to Sachi about her argument with Kenzo?
(a) He doesn't mention it.
(b) He recommends talking to Kenzo.
(c) He thinks that Kenzo, Matsu, and Sachi will work it out.
(d) He tells her she deserves better.

10. What are described as the symptoms of the illness which affects Stephen's family?
(a) Delirium and rashes.
(b) Constant coughing and fever.
(c) Nausea and vomiting.
(d) Itchy rashes and fever.

11. Why does Stephen call the person he meets in Yamaguchi a kindred spirit?
(a) This person is lonely.
(b) This person is a painter.
(c) This person is ill.
(d) This person is sad.

12. Why doesn't Stephen's father accompany him to Tarumi?
(a) He must fight with the army.
(b) He has contracted tuberculosis.
(c) The war has become as issue for his business.
(d) The illness of Stephen's mother requires him to return home.

13. How do Kenzo and Matsu make amends?
(a) They bow.
(b) They exchange a look, but no words.
(c) They don't.
(d) They speak, but Stephen does not know what is said.

14. What explanation is given for the names of the children in Stephen's family?
(a) They were chosen because they are good for business.
(b) No explanation is given.
(c) They were named for helpful nurses and doctors from his father's youth.
(d) His mother has a fondness for western culture.

15. What does Stephen notice a lack of in Tarumi?
(a) Young men.
(b) Children.
(c) Food.
(d) Young women.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Sachi tell Stephen when she learns that Matsu was unaware of this visit?

2. What is a shime-nawa?

3. Where does Stephen say the young men of the village are when he visits for Kenzo's burial?

4. What two people do Stephen and his father discuss shortly before his father's departure?

5. What does Kenzo give Stephen?

(see the answer keys)

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