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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why do Stephen and Matsu initially go to Yamaguchi?
(a) To get Stephen some fresh air.
(b) To deliver a message.
(c) To deliver items from the garden.
(d) To visit a friend of Matsu's.

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

3. What does Stephen receive from his mother in November?
(a) A letter.
(b) A visit.
(c) A package.
(d) A telegram.

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

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

6. What is a kado-matsu?
(a) A totem to keep out demons, cold, and pestilence.
(b) A rope of twisted straw thought to keep away evil spirits.
(c) A symbol for luck that is used for making a wish.
(d) A wreath symbolizing prosperity, purity, longevity, and loyalty.

7. Who gives Stephen the black lacquer box with homemade yoken?
(a) Pie.
(b) Keiko.
(c) Sachi.
(d) Miko.

8. Who does Keiko say is in the Japanese army?
(a) Her cousin.
(b) Her brother.
(c) The man she was engaged to.
(d) Her uncle.

9. How does Stephen feel about his father leaving Tamuri in October of 1937?
(a) Melancholy.
(b) Angry.
(c) Sad.
(d) Relieved.

10. What does Kenzo give Stephen?
(a) A too sweet drink made of roses.
(b) A bitter drink with healing properties.
(c) Tea made with a secret ingredient.
(d) The best tea he's ever tasted.

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

12. Why doesn't Stephen ask Matsu to go along on his visit to Sachi?
(a) He wants to ask Sachi a question privately.
(b) He doesn't want Matsu to go, or to say Stephen can't go.
(c) He is afraid that Sachi will refuse to see them.
(d) He thinks that Matsu is getting ill and needs to rest.

13. Why do Stephen and Matsu go to the shrine?
(a) To pray for the soldiers in the war.
(b) To celebrate the first rites of spring.
(c) To meet Sachi.
(d) To help the wounded.

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

15. Who does Stephen say he is happy to discover he will spend New Year's with?
(a) Keiko.
(b) Sachi.
(c) His father.
(d) Matsu.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Keiko respond to Stephen's offer to carry her basket of persimmons?

2. What are described as the symptoms of the illness which affects Stephen's family?

3. Who is Keiko with when Stephen first sees her?

4. When does Stephen's father leave Tamuri after his second visit to see Stephen?

5. Why does Matsu say Sachi moved to her mountain home?

(see the answer keys)

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