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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 Keiko say her father has brought shame to the family?

2. What promise does Keiko make to Stephen when he walks her halfway home in March?

3. How does Keiko address her father's behavior to Stephen?

4. How does Matsu react when he and Stephen walk by Kenzo's teahouse for the first time after Kenzo's death?

5. What do the old men that Stephen sees in Tarumi agree upon?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Stephen discover Matsu doing with his father's fishing knife and why is it important?

3. How does Keiko let Stephen know she is interested in him despite her father?

4. Does Stephen feel that he is at danger from the war?

5. What is the significance of the conversation Stephen and Keiko have on the beach?

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

7. What activities surround Fumiko's arrival?

8. Discuss Hiro.

9. Who is Sumiko?

10. Where is the Kerria plant found and what does it mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One technique used frequently in this story is to go back in time to fill in the gaps of a character's life or an event. Unlike a flashback where a character recalls an event, characters in this book must tell Stephen their story, or even retell someone else's story.

1) Explain how the story of Michiko might change as Sachi retells it to Stephen.

2) Compare and contrast an event told first hand from Stephen with one told through a retelling.

3) Argue the benefits and drawbacks of the author's decision to use this method of storytelling.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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