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

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

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

4. How is Kenzo's body disposed of?
(a) He is creamated and the ashes are buried in Sachi's garden.
(b) His body is never found.
(c) He is buried.
(d) He is creamated and the ashes are buried in Matsu's garden.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What reason does Stephen's father give for sending his mistress a large sum of money?

2. Why does Stephen go to Tarumi?

3. Who is there when Stephen regains consciousness after being hit by the wave?

4. Why does Stephen call the person he meets in Yamaguchi a kindred spirit?

5. What is Stephen's interpretation of his parents' marriage at the end of the December journal entries?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the removal of Sachi's scarf indicate her growing closeness to Stephen?

2. Why does Stephen go to see Sachi after her argument with Kenzo?

3. What does Stephen think of Matsu when they initially meet?

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

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

6. How does Stephen react to the news in his mother's November,1937 letter?

7. Describe the relationship between Stephen and his father in the beginning of the book.

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

9. Describe a daruma doll.

10. Why is the painting of the garden of importance to Stephen?

(see the answer keys)

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