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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. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?", what does Natsu think of Makiko's nipples?

2. In Book One: Chapter 1, "Are You Poor?," where does Natsu's father go when he leaves the family?

3. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," what is Natsu's concern about Makiko working nights at the bar?

4. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?", what does Natsu want more than anything?

5. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does Natsu react when they realize the woman at the door is the landlord?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," what is the significance of Natsu's irregular menstrual cycle, and how does it reflect her changing perspective on life and time passing by?

2. In Book One: Chapter 4, "Out For Chinese," who is Kewpie, and what role does he play in the community of Shobashi? Describe his appearance, personality, and the unusual way he makes a living.

3. In Book One: Chapter 3, "Whose Boobs Are They?" how does Natsu's relationship with her sister Makiko and her niece Midoriko influence her perspective on life and her own dreams?

4. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does the conversation between Makiko and Natsu about the man whose ex-wife returns after 20 years reflect the theme of societal expectations?

5. In Book One: Chapter 2, "To Be More Beautiful," how does Natsu feel about Makiko's decision to consider welfare as a potential financial support option, and why does Makiko hesitate to consider it?

6. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does Natsu's encounter with Yamagu, now known as Chika Yamaguchi, at the Chinese restaurant evoke memories from her past? How does this encounter reflect the theme of unexpected reunions in the story?

7. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does the conversation between Makiko and Natsu about Kewpie, the local legend in Shobashi, highlight the complexities of human behavior and the ambiguous moral dilemmas faced by individuals in difficult situations?

8. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," how does the amusement park setting serve as a contrast to Natsu's inner turmoil and emotional state?

9. In Book One: Chapter 6, "The Safest Place In The World," how does the act of cleaning the blood-stained sheets and the exchange with Midoriko in the bathroom underscore the mother-daughter dynamic in the story?

10. In Book One: Chapter 5, "Up All Night Talking," how does Natsu's contemplation of the books on her bookshelf reflect her evolving perspective on literature and the canonical works she once revered?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where's Your Ambition," discuss how Natsu's encounter with Ryoko Sengawa, the editor from a big publisher, influences her perspective on writing and her approach to her work.

Essay Topic 2

In Book One: Chapter 7, "All That You Hold Dear," Natsu and Midoriko have an intriguing encounter with a dictionary that leads to unexpected discussions and later, an unsettling event with Makiko. Analyze the role of the dictionary in this scene and its impact on Natsu and Midoriko's conversation.

Essay Topic 3

In Book Two: Chapter 16, "Burning Up," discuss the complexity of human relationships in the context of Natsu's experience with the loss of Sengawa.

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