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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Stephen give Sachi in this second visit?

2. Why do Stephen and Matsu go to the shrine?

3. What does Stephen's father promise to send him?

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

5. What object of Tomoko's did Matsu give to Sachi?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How is Setsbun celebrated?

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

5. What does Stephen think about the impact of the war?

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

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

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

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

10. Describe Yamaguchi.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Point of view is an important element of style as this story as told through Stephen's journal. Choose three events in the story that would be dramatically altered if the story was told from a different point of view. Give specific examples that support your assertions. Why do you think the author chose to tell the story through the point of view that she did?

Essay Topic 2

Prejudice is an underlying theme that accompanies the war and leprosy. While often subtle, the theme is constantly present in the story. Pick three characters that you feel exhibit prejudice and explain:

1) What is the cause of their prejudice?

2) How aware is this person of their prejudice and to what extent do they justify it?

3) Does this character evolve or alter his or her perceptions in the course of the story? Use specific examples to support all your assertions.

Essay Topic 3

For each of the gifts listed below, explain who it was to and from, what the reason for the gift was and how it affected the giver or receiver.

1) Daruma doll

2) Yoken

3) Paint brushes

4) Lucky stones

5) Another of your choice

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 916 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample