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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. Where does Stephen's father spend most of his time?

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

3. What is Stephen's first impression of the person who meets him at the station?

4. How do Stephen and Sachi acknowledge each other outside the temple after Kenzo's funeral?

5. How does Keiko respond to Stephen's offer to carry her basket of persimmons?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Sachi's garden.

2. Why does Stephen lie to his mother?

3. Why does Kenzo call Sachi a monster?

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

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

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

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

8. Describe a daruma doll.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While Stephen is the main character in the story, there are also many supporting and minor characters that add to his tale. Choose one other main character, one supporting character, and one minor character. For each one, compare and contrast him or her with Stephen and give examples of how that person affected his life in positive or negative way.

Essay Topic 2

Nature is an important setting throughout Stephen's journal and journeys. Choose three separate natural locations or events and:

1) Explain what purpose they serve

2) Relate them to Stephen's growth as a character

3) Describe how the story would change without them

Essay Topic 3

Stephen's budding relationship with Keiko is both exciting and frustrating for him. As their relationship progresses, and Stephen matures, his reaction to Keiko's responses also change. Document the progression of this relationship and explain how Stephen's personal growth and maturity is reflected in his actions and feelings.

(see the answer keys)

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