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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. Where has Kinu moved?

2. Who wrote the haiku that comes to Shingo's mind in Chapter 12, Section 4?

3. How old was the grandfather who strangled his grandson?

4. Where did a scientist from Tohoku University send lotus seeds he found?

5. How old are the tulip trees in the garden where Shingo meets Kikuko?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Teru act last winter when Kikuko saw a snake at the kitchen door?

2. Why did the president of a boat and yacht company decide to disappear with his wife?

3. How is Shingo dealing with the yatsude?

4. What does Kikuko explain about the ringing of the bell for the anniversary celebration?

5. Where does Kikuko tell Satoko to go when she complains about Kikuko sewing her dress?

6. What article does Yasuko read to Shingo about a man from Buffalo, New York?

7. How does Shingo describe a young girl who wants a seat saved on a train?

8. Why does Satoko rip off cherry branches?

9. What does Shingo forget how to do in Chapter 16?

10. What happened to a little girl when Satoko grabbed the girl's kimono sleeve?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is discovered that Kinu is pregnant. Discuss Kinu's pregnancy and how various characters react to the pregnancy.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Yasuko and the relationship she had with her family--her parents and sister.

Essay Topic 3

Shingo appears to have changed the most in the novel. Discuss how characters did or did not change through the course of the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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