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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 “delicacy” does the narrator’s father enjoy having his wife prepare for him while he is bed-ridden in Part II, My Parents and I?

2. What disease killed Sensei’s father?

3. Sensei’s family home was how far from the nearest city when he was growing up, according to his letter in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

4. Where does Sensei say K was born in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

5. Where is K buried in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Soseki’s mother urge Soseki to write to Sensei in Part II, My Parents and I?

2. How are Sensei’s early days with his adoptive family described in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

3. Describe the scene when Sensei discovers K’s suicide in Part III, Sensei’s Testament. What is Sensei’s emotional response?

4. What does K relate to Sensei of his family dispute and his situation after their third summer holiday in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

5. What conclusion does Sensei reach at the end of his letter in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

6. When does Sensei tell Soseki he began to respect him in his letter in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

7. How does Soseki’s family react when news is heard of Emperor Meiji in Part II, My Parents and I?

8. What does Sensei make of the difference he finds in his adoptive family when he returns for his third summer holiday in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

9. How does Soseki’s father’s health correspond to the newspapers in Part II, My Parents and I?

10. Where does Sensei move after severing ties with his adoptive family in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of Kokoro. In what ways is the narrative related and what effect does this have on the reader?

b. How does Kokoro compare with other novels written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Soseki’s writing?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Soseki’s letter to Sensei in Part II, My Parents and I. Does Soseki expect a response from Sensei? Does Soseki believe Sensei to be capable or willing to help him find employment? How does Soseki feel when he does not receive a reply?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Soseki’s objectives in seeking out Sensei in Kamakura. What about Sensei appeals to the young man? How does Soseki go about striking up a conversation with Sensei? How does Sensei respond to Soseki’s proposed friendship?

(see the answer keys)

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