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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 is Stephen's reaction to his father's visit to Tamuri in October of 1937?

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

3. What does Stephen say to Sachi about her argument with Kenzo?

4. Why does Stephen originally buy the journal?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Yamaguchi.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blame and shame are recurring themes in the novel, although they sometimes are related to honor and loyalty. Choose one of these four themes (blame, shame, honor, or loyalty) that you think most shapes the tone of the story.

1) Give at least three examples to support your statement.

2) Explain if or how that theme is related to the other three listed above.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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