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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. Which of the following items is NOT a theme in the song "Kafka on the Shore"?

2. Where was Kafka's father when he was struck by lightning?

3. What color is the entrance stone?

4. What does Kafka feel connected to in nature as he is wandering through the woods?

5. Who is the director of the films that Hoshino watches back to back?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens with Mrs. Saeki sleepwalks into Kafka's bedroom?

2. While wandering through the woods, what disturbing dream does Kafka have about Sakura?

3. What is the origin of Kafka's name?

4. How does evil try to escape Limbo?

5. What does Mrs. Saeki ask Nakata to do with her memoirs?

6. How does Mrs. Saeki convince Kafka to leave the world of the deserted village and go back where he belongs?

7. What arrangements does Colonel Sanders make for Nakata and Hoshino while the police are on their manhunt?

8. Why does Oshima wake Kafka in the middle of the night with a frantic phone call?

9. How does Kafka react when he is approached by the Japanese soldiers in Oshima's woods?

10. What book did Mrs.Saeki write after collecting interviews?

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

Through the use of the entrance stone, Nakata realizes that humans can fully interact with the spirit world. First, explain how Nakata got his hands on the entrance stone. Then, explain how Nakata figured out how to use the entrance stone. Finally, explain what Nakata learned about himself through the use of the entrance stone.

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)

This section contains 866 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample