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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. Himiko reminds Bird of _________________________.

2. What word does Bird want to look up in Delchef's dictionary?

3. What does Himiko suggest to Bird to help him get over his distaste for the female body?

4. The next day at the hospital, Bird is assured by the baby's doctor that the "crisis" will occur __________________.

5. Himiko says that she will go to Africa with whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What instruction does Bird give the doctor regarding the baby's dwindling condition?

2. What is the significance of Bird's worrying about the top on the car and Himiko's swerving to miss hitting the dead sparrow on the road?

3. What word does Delchef write in the dictionary for Bird and what is its significance?

4. How are Bird and Delchef in contrast regarding their attitudes toward responsibility?

5. What does Bird feel after his sexual encounter with Himiko?

6. How have Himiko's feelings about Bird evolved over the last few days?

7. What happens to Bird when he goes to his job at the school in Chapter 9?

8. What does Bird name the baby and how does Himiko know the name?

9. Who is Kikuhiko and how is he introduced to the story?

10. What is the symbolism of Himiko's repeatedly getting lost on the way to the clinic?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Bird. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Bird?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of women in 1960s Japan when the women in the novel are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the internal conflict Bird feels about his life. Does he not want to be married? Does he not want a child? Does he really just want to run away to Africa and forget his responsibilities? Why did Bird engage in a relationship with his wife if he was not ready?

(see the answer keys)

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