View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Setsbun?
(a) The name of the shrine they visit in Tama.
(b) A canvas for a special Japanese painting.
(c) The first rites of spring.
(d) A totem to keep away demons, cold, and pestilence.

2. What does Stephen tell his mother about his father's affair?
(a) Nothing.
(b) That she should accept it and move on.
(c) That his father refused to talk about it.
(d) That the transferred money was for a business transaction.

3. How does Stephen first feel when seeing the condition of afflicted villagers?
(a) He regrets his decision to come.
(b) Sad, but hopeful.
(c) More curious than afraid.
(d) Disgusted and guilty for his reaction.

4. How does Stephen describe the houses in the village of Yamaguchi?
(a) As sores on the already pained landscape.
(b) As small domiciles of peace.
(c) As being pieced together from scraps.
(d) As a mish-mash of leftovers.

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

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

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

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

9. When does Stephen's father leave Tamuri after his second visit to see Stephen?
(a) In the middle of their argument.
(b) During dinner.
(c) Early in the morning before Stephen is awake.
(d) While Stephen and Matsu leave for Tama.

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

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

12. Who does Sachi say saved her from being trampled at a celebration many years earlier?
(a) An unidentified soldier.
(b) Matsu.
(c) Kenzo.
(d) Her father.

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

14. Where does Stephen first see a kare sansui?
(a) At Sachi's house.
(b) In Matsu's garden.
(c) At Keiko's house.
(d) At the house by the beach.

15. How does Sachi say Tomoko died?
(a) She took her life with a fishing knife.
(b) The disease killed her.
(c) She drowned herself.
(d) She was poisoned.

Short Answer Questions

1. To whom does Stephen give a miniature pine tree in a clay planter?

2. What does Stephen learn during his father's second visit, which occurs in December of 1937?

3. Where is Kenzo's body found?

4. What is the name of the object Stephen gives Matsu for luck?

5. What does Kenzo give Stephen?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 536 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample