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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Stephen have memories of Matsu from childhood?
(a) They are distant cousins.
(b) Matsu once worked for Stephen's family.
(c) Their fathers are friends.
(d) Stephen's father once worked with Matsu.

2. What does Stephen decide to pray for?
(a) For his mother's happiness.
(b) For all the problems in his life.
(c) For his parents' marriage.
(d) For his full recovery.

3. Who is the person who meets Stephen at the train station in Tarumi?
(a) Pie.
(b) King.
(c) Henry.
(d) Matsu.

4. Where does Stephen first see Keiko?
(a) At the local market.
(b) In her father's home.
(c) In Matsu's garden.
(d) At the beach.

5. What does Stephen give Sachi in this second visit?
(a) A portrait of herself.
(b) A painting of her house.
(c) A painting of the garden.
(d) A drawing of the beach.

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

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

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

9. What does Matsu reveal about his younger sister while he is in Yamaguchi with Stephen?
(a) She died of tuberculosis.
(b) She died giving birth to a son.
(c) She was a healer.
(d) She was taken by leprosy.

10. How does Keiko respond to Stephen's offer to carry her basket of persimmons?
(a) She wordlessly hands him the basket.
(b) She walks away without speaking to him.
(c) She says yes.
(d) She says no.

11. Why does Stephen go to Tarumi?
(a) His father wants him to learn about the import-export business.
(b) Stephen's sister is sick and he is sent away to avoid getting the disease.
(c) He is ill and is sent away for the cooler weather and to avoid infecting others.
(d) Stephen's mother is concerned he is becoming too reclusive.

12. Why does Stephen originally buy the journal?
(a) To document the effects of his illness.
(b) To provide his mother with a written account of his travels.
(c) To celebrate and document his journey to Tarumi.
(d) To fulfill the requirements of one of his classes at Canton.

13. Who does Stephen meet in Yamaguchi?
(a) A doctor.
(b) Keiko.
(c) Sachi.
(d) Ching.

14. Why is Stephen embarrassed by his body?
(a) He has pock marks from his illness.
(b) He is pale.
(c) He has lost a great deal of weight.
(d) He feels it is very weak.

15. How are Stephen and Matsu greeted on their second visit to Sachi?
(a) By a stray dog.
(b) With tea.
(c) They are not greeted. Sachi is not home.
(d) With a small meal.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Stephen's mother ask him to do?

2. Why do Stephen and Matsu initially go to Yamaguchi?

3. What is Setsbun?

4. Why do Stephen and Matsu go to the shrine?

5. Who says, "A Japanese woman would never do such a thing," and to whom is that person referring?

(see the answer keys)

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