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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. Who does Keiko say is in the Japanese army?

2. Why does Matsu say he decides to visit Tama with Stephen?

3. How are Stephen and Matsu greeted on their second visit to Sachi?

4. What news is received that dampens the spirits of Stephen, Matsu, and their visitor?

5. Why doesn't Stephen's father accompany him to Tarumi?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the events that lead to Stephen's trip to Tarumi.

3. Why does Stephen lie to his mother?

4. How does the visit to Sachi impact the relationship between Stephen and Matsu?

5. What is Stephen's physical condition when he first arrives at the beach house in Tarumi?

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

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

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

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

10. How does Stephen feel about traveling to Tarumi?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Celebrations play a role in the telling of this story.

1) Choose one celebration and explain why it made a difference to Stephen's growth, perceptions, or daily life.

2) Describe how a different celebration reminds you of a western celebration or one you have participated in. Explain how your or a character in the story found meaning in the celebration mentioned.

3) Write a narrative of a celebration from the point of view of a character who attended it.

Essay Topic 2

Honor is a theme explored in many circumstances and relationships in the Samurai's Garden. In regards to Stephen's parents, their marriage and the way both dealt with the revelation of his father's affair, discuss what it means to be honorable. Give specific examples and explain why you believe that his parents did or did not act honorably in each one. What do you feel they should have, if anything, done differently? What information that you do not have would change your perceptions of them and their actions?

Essay Topic 3

Marriage and fidelity are on Stephen's mind after the revelation of his father's affair. However, both Stephen and his mother seem to accept the new arrangement even if they don't like it. How would the story be altered if Stephen's father had never admitted to the affair? How would it change if Yoshiko had been introduced to Stephen? Would a more detailed history of the marriage between Stephen's parents be pertinent to the storyline? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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