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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. The mother reminds the children that many Japanese families have lost their ______________.

2. What happens to the family in Chapter 4?

3. The father sarcastically says that he is the grinning fat man in the straw hat selling _______________ by the side of the road.

4. What was the boy's father wearing when he was taken away by the authorities?

5. Where was the boy's father held after his arrest?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the father's tone during his confession in this chapter?

2. Why does the mother leave one of the father's suits hanging in the closet?

3. Describe the room where the father was first taken for questioning.

4. What has incarceration done to the father and why do his children hardly recognize him when he comes home?

5. Why is the girl digging in the ground with a spoon in the middle of the night?

6. What could account for the family's not receiving much mail while they were detained in the camp?

7. What does the father "admit" to doing that made him a threat to the U.S.?

8. What does the father want to imply to whoever is hearing his confession?

9. From whose perspective is Chapter 5 told and what is the nature of the chapter?

10. Explain the financial situation of the family when they leave the camp.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Extreme prejudice takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the novel's title. What did the author mean by calling the book WHEN THE EMPEROR WAS DIVINE? Cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Otsuka is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

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