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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. Why do Junpei and Sayoko think Sala has nightmares?

2. Who is waiting for Katagiri when he walks into his apartment?

3. Where Takatsuki and Sayoko meet?

4. Who claims to be "half dead already" (86)?

5. Which four-day event did Satsuki attend?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Nimit describe Satsuki?

2. Who is Sayoko?

3. How is Masakichi able to listen to music?

4. What dream does Satsuki have as she sleeps near the swimming pool?

5. What does the soothsayer reveal about the man in Kobe?

6. What kind of relationship do Junpei and Takatsuki have?

7. What was the result of the battle with Worm?

8. What crime was Satsuki a victim of?

9. Who did Nimit take Satsuki to visit?

10. Why did Sayoko and Takatsuki break up?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some stories, like "super-frog saves tokyo," blend reality with surreal elements. Analyze how Murakami intertwines reality and fantasy to communicate deeper truths.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the role of dreams for characters like Satsuki and Sala. What is the significance of dreams in this story? Describe the line between reality and imaginary in this book.

Essay Topic 3

Several people in Murakami's stories are described as "ordinary." In after the quake, what does it mean to be ordinary? What do the "ordinary" characters have in common? What do you think Murakami means by this?

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