View a FREE sample

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's father promise to send him?

2. What are described as the symptoms of the illness which affects Stephen's family?

3. Where does Matsu invite Stephen after his father leaves?

4. Where is Kenzo's body found?

5. Why do Stephen and Matsu initially go to Yamaguchi?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is the painting of the garden of importance to Stephen?

3. How does Stephen feel about traveling to Tarumi?

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

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 garden.

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

9. How do Stephen and Keiko's father interact when they meet in the village after Kenzo's burial?

10. What agreement do Stephen's parents seem to come to after his father's visit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Starting with Stephen's reclusive quarantine in Hong Kong, the theme of loneliness is used through the Samurai's Garden.

1) Choose an event or incident from the story that is spurred by loneliness and explain how that loneliness triggers other specific events.

2) Choose a character in the story who seems lonely despite being near other people. Describe the actions this leads to.

3) Choose two characters in the story who seek each other out. Explain the result of this action and how it affects each one's loneliness.

Essay Topic 2

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

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 888 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample