View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition?", how does Natsu's first book initially perform in terms of sales?

2. In Book Two: Chapter 12, "Merry Christmas," what is the main topic of the conversation between Natsuko and Rie?

3. In Book One: Chapter 7, "All That You Hold Dear," what does Natsu dream about while sleeping in the beanbag?

4. In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," what makes Natsu feel like she could not join the club of people with kids?

5. In Book One: Chapter 7, "All That You Hold Dear," why does Natsu search for breast implants same day on her phone?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book One: Chapter 7, "All That You Hold Dear," discuss the motif of uncertainty and its role in driving the narrative forward.

2. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition," explore the significance of Natsu's name, Natsuko Natsume, in the context of her identity and artistic journey. Analyze how her name reflects her connection to her mother's family and its impact on her writing and sense of self.

3. In Book Two: Chapter 8, "Where Is Your Ambition," discuss Natsu's initial struggle with writing and how the success of her book marks a turning point in her career.

4. In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," analyze the changes in Natsu's relationship with Naruse over time, from their deep connection as friends to their eventual breakup.

5. In Book Two: Chapter 9, "All The Little Flowers," explore Natsu's internal struggle with her sexuality and the societal expectations of fulfilling her partner's desires.

6. In Book Two: Chapter 12, "Merry Christmas," what internal conflict does Natsu face regarding the idea of donor conception?

7. In Book Two: Chapter 13, "A Tall Order," analyze Natsu's experience with the winter sunlight and its symbolic significance in the novel. How does the sunlight influence her emotional state and reflect her internal journey throughout the story?

8. Book Two: Chapter 11, "I Am So Happy Cause Today...," how does Rika Yusa challenge the novelist's claims and behavior? What does this confrontation reveal about the dynamics among writers in the literary community?

9. In Book Two: Chapter 10, "Choose From The Following Options," describe Natsu's struggle to research and depict the yakuza in their writing.

10. In Book Two: Chapter 13, "A Tall Order," analyze the protagonist's decision to attend the symposium and their encounter with Jun Aizawa. how does the interaction with Aizawa contribute to Natsu's internal conflict about donor conception, and how does it affect her emotional state?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Book Two: Chapter 15, "Take It or Leave it," analyze the protagonist's traumatic encounter in Shibuya with Onda, the man from the internet.

Essay Topic 2

In Book Two: Chapter 14, "A Stiff Upper Lip," discuss the complexities of Yuriko's feelings towards her abusive father and the conflict between a sense of duty to family and the need to protect her own well-being.

Essay Topic 3

In Book Two: Chapter 10, "Choose From The Following Options," explore the ethical implications of assisted reproduction, specifically focusing on the secrecy and anonymity surrounding sperm donation in Japan. Address the challenges faced by children born through donor sperm who later discover the truth about their biological parentage.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,420 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample