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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. What do the two stern women accuse Oshima of being?

2. Which of the following adjectives best describes Kafka's relationship with his father?

3. How many of the children failed to awaken after reaching the hospital?

4. How old was Mrs. Saeki when she first fell in love?

5. What is the name of the woods where Oshima owns a cabin?

Short Essay Questions

1. What information does Kafka provide to Sakura about his sister?

2. In what state does Oshima find Kafka when he returns to the cabin to bring Kafka home?

3. What complaints do the two serious women make about the library where Oshima and Kafka work?

4. What trade did Nakata learn when he was in elementary school?

5. What advice does Crow give to Kafka before they run away together?

6. What warning does Oshima give to Kafka before dropping him off at the cabin in the woods?

7. What unusual prophecy does Nakata make before leaving the police station?

8. What happened to all of Nakata's money after he lost his job?

9. What happens when Kafka wakes from a blackout at a religious shrine?

10. What does the elementary school teacher admit is the truth of what happened to Nakata in the woods?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, there is great mystery surrounding who killed Japan's most famous sculptor. First, describe how the murder occurs, and who the two main suspects are. Then, explain how Murakami uses this murder with two other major events in the novel - Johnny Walker's murder and Kafka waking up covered in blood. How do these connections add to the suspense of the novel as a whole?

Essay Topic 2

When Kafka is still a young child, he decides to run away from home. First, explain the circumstances leading up to Kafka's decision to leave home. Then, describe the items Kafka took with him during his escape and the process through which he chose these items. Finally, describe at least two characters that helped Kafka during the initial days of his plan.

Essay Topic 3

While in the library one day, Oshima makes a startling confession about his sexuality. First, explain the truth behind Oshima's sexuality as he described it to Kafka. Then, explain how Oshima's confession affected the gender roles presented in the novel thus far.

(see the answer keys)

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