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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. After spending time with the narrator, Sonoko feels so guilty she plans to do what?

2. In Chapter 3, in what city does the narrator encounter air raid refugees?

3. How does the narrator feel about being denied to fight in the war?

4. For what does the narrator give Sonoko a hard time following their break-up?

5. When the narrator bumps into Sonoko for the first time after the break-up, what do they discuss?

Short Essay Questions

1. To get out of staying an extra day with Sonoko, what lie does the narrator tell her about his job?

2. Why does the narrator allow Chieko to kiss him?

3. Prior to his draft meeting, the narrator suspects his health will make him what?

4. Upon witnessing the sight of the air raid victims, what does the narrator want to do?

5. What is the narrator's opinion of the factory that produces war planes?

6. When does the narrator get his first opportunity to spend time with Sonoko?

7. What event takes place that proves to the narrator he is capable of basic, human emotion?

8. Why does the quote "The measure of a woman's power is the degree of suffering with which she can punish her lover" bother the narrator?

9. What does the narrator believe is possible, in terms of partnering with a woman?

10. When the narrator sets out on a bicycle ride with Sonoko, what does he want to happen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When the narrator ends his relationship with Sonoko, he continues to be haunted by her. Write a brief essay examining how the physical aspect of love interferes with the emotional love he feels for her.

Essay Topic 2

In spite of his attraction to men, the narrator finds true affection for Sonoko.

1) Why is the narrator attracted to Sonoko?

2) Why is she attracted to him?

3) What factors work against the success of the relationship?

Essay Topic 3

The imagery and metaphor of masks appear throughout the novel. Choose three examples of this type of imagery from the text and analyze its purpose in the story.

(see the answer keys)

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