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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 is the one constant in Mikage's life?

2. Which character is sexually ambiguous?

3. What does Mikage fall in love with at the Tanabe apartment?

4. Which of the following pairs are common themes in the first chapter?

5. What does Banana Yoshimoto use as a catalyst for love?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the will that Eriko leaves behind.

2. Describe the apparition that Satsuki sees on the bridge.

3. Why does Okuno visit Mikage?

4. Describe the process in which Yuji becomes Eriko.

5. Describe Mikage's meeting with Sotaro.

6. What is Mikage's reaction to hearing of Eriko's death?

7. At what point is Mikage at peace for the first time since her grandmother's death? Why?

8. How does Satsuki feel at the intersection where the car accident occurs?

9. Describe Mikage's encounter with Chika.

10. Why doesn't Satsuki greet Hiiragi when she sees him walking on the street without the uniform?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Moonlight Shadow has supernatural elements in it. For example Satsuki sees the ghost of Hitoshi on the bridge. What is the significance of the supernatural elements in the story? How do these supernatural elements contribute to the story as a whole?

Essay Topic 2

Death and love are both significant themes in the novel Kitchen. In the first two chapters, death is even the cause for love. Analyze these statements as they relate to the novel.

Essay Topic 3

In each chapter, the role of a kitchen or food is prevalent. Give one specific example of this from each chapter and use at least three quotes to explain its relevance. For example, Mikage loves to be in the kitchen and finds peace in the kitchen. What elements of this same habit or behavior are present in the other chapter or with other characters?

(see the answer keys)

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