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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What are Stephen and Matsu doing when the wave crashes into the garden?
(a) Discussing Stephen's father.
(b) Talking by the bridge.
(c) Arguing about Sachi.
(d) Catching fish from the fish pond.

3. What does Matsu say Kenzo does?
(a) Delivers important supplies.
(b) Gets hard to find items.
(c) Assists villagers with disputes.
(d) Gets food to the hungry.

4. Where does Matsu invite Stephen after his father leaves?
(a) To go to the fishing village.
(b) For a walk on the beach.
(c) To Sachi's garden.
(d) A Shinto shrine.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Stephen feel about his father leaving Tamuri in October of 1937?

2. What does the throwing of beans represent?

3. Why does Stephen originally buy the journal?

4. Who is Tomoko?

5. What, according to Sachi, is true about Sachi and Tomoko as children?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Kenzo call Sachi a monster?

2. Describe Yamaguchi.

3. Describe Sachi's garden.

4. What agreement do Stephen's parents seem to come to after his father's visit?

5. Describe a daruma doll.

6. What implications are given that Matsu is becoming fond of Stephen?

7. How did Tomoko's death bring Sachi and Matsu closer?

8. How does Stephen describe Matsu's garden?

9. What does Stephen's father reveal about Matsu's history?

10. How does Stephen feel about making friends with people once he is settled in the beach house?

(see the answer keys)

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