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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. How does Stephen first feel when seeing the condition of afflicted villagers?

2. What is a kado-matsu?

3. What does Stephen notice a lack of in Tarumi?

4. When does Stephen's father leave Tamuri after his second visit to see Stephen?

5. What does the throwing of beans represent?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Tomoko's death bring Sachi and Matsu closer?

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

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

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

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

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

7. Describe Sachi's garden.

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

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

10. Why does Stephen lie to his mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Stephen overhears Kenzo's attack on Sachi, he remains silent. Should he have spoken up and defended her? Argue this point from both the opinion that he should have spoken up and from the perspective that he was wise to remain silent. Compare the way Stephen handles this situation with the way he handles another event in the story.

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)

This section contains 926 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample