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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 does Stephen refer to as "master of the house" in the journal entry about his September, 1938 visit?

2. What effect does Matsu say Tomoko's illness had on their relationship?

3. What does Penelope do for the Red Cross?

4. What story does Sachi's caregiver in Yamaguchi tell her?

5. How does Stephen describe his relationship with Matsu as they walk back to Tarumi?

Short Essay Questions

1. What activities surround Fumiko's arrival?

2. How does Keiko feel about her father's behavior?

3. Compare Matsu and Tomoko as teenagers.

4. Why does Penelope work for the Red Cross?

5. Why aren't there any journal entries for a month after Kenzo's funeral?

6. What is the tone of Keiko's meeting with Stephen at the shrine?

7. Discuss Hiro.

8. What is Sachi's relationship with Michiko?

9. How does Matsu feel about his sister's decision to deal with her disease?

10. How does Stephen feel when Matsu walks in and interrupts Sachi's story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 765 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample