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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. When Christopher comes to London from Cambridge he takes a flat in what neighborhood?

2. How does Christopher describe the atmosphere at breakfast on the days of the campaign meetings.

3. What is Akira's reaction when he discovers a tear in his kimono?

4. How do Uncle Philip and Christopher reach the city center?

5. Who surprises Christopher while he is investigating the Emory case?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Uncle Philip?

2. Who is the plump-faced man in Christopher's newspaper photograph?

3. Describe the visit of the health inspector to Christopher's home in Shanghai.

4. How does Sarah Hemmings treat Christopher at the Mayfair flat?

5. What happens after Uncle Philip leaves Christopher?

6. What happens to Christopher and Sarah at David Corbett's luncheon on Lower Regent Street?

7. How does Christopher spend his time in the summer of 1923?

8. How does Uncle Philip set the stage for Christopher's mother's abduction?

9. Describe the game Christopher and Akira invent.

10. Describe Christopher's meeting with the silver-haired man.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As a child Christopher revered the great Inspector Kung. As a grown man Christopher meets the Inspector and discovers he has become a disheveled old drunk. How is this a turning point for Christopher? How is Christopher's meeting with Kung a warning to him? How does it drive him forward?

Essay Topic 2

Social distinctions play a prominent role in WHEN WE WERE ORPHANS. Discuss how Ishiguro uses social distinctions to advance the plot and to define relationships between characters. Use examples from Shanghai and Britain.

Essay Topic 3

What role does the advent of World War II play in the novel? How does the shape of world events parallel events in Christopher's life?

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This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample