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Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What does Ono's father do with his paintings?
2. How does Noriko's behavior change during the miai?
3. What does Shintaro want to disclaim?
4. How does Shintaro embarrass Mrs. Kawakami?
5. Why did Ono as a young boy dread his father's business meetings?
Short Essay Questions
1. What does Noriko accuse Ono of when he is working in the garden?
2. Why does Ono's father burn his paintings?
3. Why does Enchi treat Ono in such a friendly way when he arrives to visit Kuroda?
4. Why does Ono feel compelled to confess his activities during the war during the miai?
5. How does Mr. Yamagata thank Ono for his support of the Migi-Hidari?
6. How does Saito regard the demonstrations in the streets?
7. What does Ono see as the result of his confession during the miai?
8. What does Ono conceal from Noriko in the weeks leading up to her miai?
9. Why does Ono say he would never forgive himself if he became like his father?
10. What is the difference in Noriko's behavior between her first and second miai?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
At the miai, Saito suggests that boys should not be confined, but should be allowed to run free even when they hurt themselves. He uses this as an argument in support of the street demonstrations which he views as legitimate use of freedom of speech. The maturation of boys to men is a significant theme in this story. The men, from Matsuda arguing with his caregiver, Suzuki, to Ono's arguments with his daughters about Ichiro seeing a scary movie and drinking sake, argue for freedom and the women urge restraint and greater care. Using examples from the text, select one character and write about their maturation process. Ichiro, Kenji, Kuroda, or Ono himself would be good possibilities. Are these developing men symbols of their country as a whole? is it, as Taro Saito suggests, a baby democracy learning how to govern itself?
Essay Topic 2
What do you see as Ishiguro's overarching theme in this story? Why did he write it? What is he trying to teach, and to whom? Consider the fact that the book was published first in English.
Essay Topic 3
Compare and contrast the personalities of Noriko and Setsuko based on their conversation and behavior. Remember that Ono comments on the character of the two girls. Do your observations agree with his?
This section contains 814 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
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