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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 does Stephen say to Sachi about her argument with Kenzo?
(a) He recommends talking to Kenzo.
(b) He tells her she deserves better.
(c) He thinks that Kenzo, Matsu, and Sachi will work it out.
(d) He doesn't mention it.

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

3. What does the throwing of beans represent?
(a) The Japanese Army winning the war.
(b) Throwing out the demons, cold, and pestilence.
(c) Prosperity, purity, longevity, and loyalty.
(d) Celebration of the first rites of spring.

4. What are described as the symptoms of the illness which affects Stephen's family?
(a) Delirium and rashes.
(b) Itchy rashes and fever.
(c) Nausea and vomiting.
(d) Constant coughing and fever.

5. What does Matsu reveal about his younger sister while he is in Yamaguchi with Stephen?
(a) She died giving birth to a son.
(b) She was taken by leprosy.
(c) She died of tuberculosis.
(d) She was a healer.

Short Answer Questions

1. What important event occurs at the beginning of Stephen's November journal that leaves him feeling lost?

2. Who accompanies Stephen home from Canton?

3. Who says, "A Japanese woman would never do such a thing," and to whom is that person referring?

4. How is Kenzo's body disposed of?

5. What is Matsu's New Year's gift to Stephen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Sachi's garden.

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

3. How does Stephen feel about traveling to Tarumi?

4. Describe Sachi's house during the New Year's celebration?

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

6. Describe the state of Stephen's relationship with Keiko when she gives him the yoken.

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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