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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. Who sends Stephen a letter telling of the massacre in Nanking?
(a) His father.
(b) His mother.
(c) Henry.
(d) King.

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

5. Why does Matsu say Sachi moved to her mountain home?
(a) To be close to the man she loved.
(b) To save her family from more dishonor.
(c) To care for the ill villagers.
(d) To protect her family from the disease.

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

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

8. What does Stephen learn about his father at the beach?
(a) He was once a competitive swimmer.
(b) He wanted to be a painter when he was younger.
(c) His real age.
(d) He can't swim.

9. Why does Sachi often rearrange the stones in her garden?
(a) To help her relax.
(b) To bring luck.
(c) To arrange the best irrigation for her plants.
(d) To change the garden's appearance.

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

11. What does Stephen's father promise to send him?
(a) Canvases.
(b) A Letter.
(c) Paints.
(d) Newspapers.

12. What is a shime-nawa?
(a) A book of Japanese poetry.
(b) A wreath symbolizing prosperity, purity, longevity, and loyalty.
(c) A symbol for luck that is used for making a wish.
(d) A rope of twisted straw thought to keep away evil spirits.

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

14. What does Stephen decide to paint?
(a) Matsu's garden.
(b) Keiko at the beach.
(c) His family.
(d) Sachi without her sores.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Miko have to do the laundry?

2. What does Matsu reveal about his younger sister while he is in Yamaguchi with Stephen?

3. How does his father's departure affect Stephen?

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

5. How is Kenzo's body disposed of?

(see the answer keys)

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