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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 is Keiko with when Stephen first sees her?

2. What does Stephen decide to paint?

3. What best describes Matsu's house?

4. Why does Matsu say Sachi moved to her mountain home?

5. Who gives Stephen the black lacquer box with homemade yoken?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe a daruma doll.

4. How does Stephen describe Matsu's garden?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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