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 dream does Stephen record in his journal?

2. What object does Tomoko ask Matsu to bring to her after she is afflicted with leprosy?

3. How do Matsu and Stephen arrive at Sachi's when they go to visit in September of 1938?

4. Who tells about the 1923 event that destroyed all the houses and left many dead?

5. How does Stephen say Keiko's visit affected him?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Sachi's relationship with Michiko?

3. Why is the fishing knife of great importance to Matsu?

4. Why does Penelope work for the Red Cross?

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

6. Explain how the war is impacting Stephen.

7. Discuss Hiro.

8. Describe Stephen's visit with his father.

9. Describe Matsu's behavior at Sachi's house.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Relationships are an ongoing theme in the story. The importance of parent-child relationships, intimacy, and trust are all explored within the larger context of specific relationships in the novel. Choose a relationship from the book that exemplifies each of the three types of relationships or issues listed. For each one, write a detailed explanation of how this relationship is explored in the course of the story and what results from the relationships you choose to write about.

Essay Topic 3

It's clear that characters in this story affect the lives of others around them. Imagine Kenzo without Sachi, or Sachi without Michiko's influence. For three characters, choose a single person in the story that you think has the most influence on them. How would each character's life be different without that person?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 814 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample