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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. Why does Stephen call the person he meets in Yamaguchi a kindred spirit?
(a) This person is sad.
(b) This person is a painter.
(c) This person is ill.
(d) This person is lonely.

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

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

4. What best describes Kenzo and Matsu in their youth?
(a) Kenzo was popular and Matsu was shy.
(b) Kenzo was ill and Matsu was helpful.
(c) Kenzo was shy and Matsu was industrious.
(d) Kenzo was brave and Matsu was neat.

5. What is the name of the object Stephen gives Matsu for luck?
(a) A tama shrine.
(b) A daruma doll.
(c) A kado-matsu.
(d) A shime-nawa,

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Stephen travel to Kobe with?

2. Why is Stephen embarrassed by his body?

3. What is a kado-matsu?

4. Where does Stephen see the "nicest Christmas tree I ever had"?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the storm impact Stephen's relationship with Sachi and Matsu?

2. What conflicting accounts of the war does Stephen hear?

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

4. How do Stephen and Keiko's father interact when they meet in the village after Kenzo's burial?

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

6. What does Stephen struggle with at the Shinto shrine and why?

7. Describe the relationship between Kenzo, Matsu, and Sachi when Stephen first meets Kenzo.

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

9. Describe Yamaguchi.

10. Describe a daruma doll.

(see the answer keys)

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