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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 phrase is K particularly interested in when Sensei finds him living in the temple after their first summer from college?

2. When Sensei asks for Ojosan’s hand in marriage, he says the conversation does not last longer than what in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

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

4. Sensei describes walking up the slope of Koishikawa toward what temple in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

5. What poems does Sensei ask K if he knows after a game of cards in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens with K’s family during their third summer holiday from school in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

2. What are the conflicting objectives presented to Soseki by his mother in Part II, My Parents and I?

3. 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?

4. How old is Sensei when he is orphaned? Who is left in his charge after his parents’ deaths?

5. How does Soseki’s father’s health decline as Soseki is preparing to leave for Tokyo in Part II, My Parents and I?

6. What conversation does Soseki’s father have with Saku-san in Part II, My Parents and I?

7. How does Sensei know K? How does K defy his parents’ wishes in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

8. What warning does Okusan give Sensei when he first broaches the topic of K coming to live at the house in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

9. What is revealed in K’s suicide note in Part III, Sensei’s Testament? How does Sensei react?

10. What explanation does Sensei give for his lack of earlier response to Soseki’s letter in Part III, Sensei’s Testament?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Soseki’s studies at the university in Part I: Sensei and I. What is implied as Soseki’s focus of study? Where does he live while in Tokyo? What does Soseki have in common with Sensei regarding his education?

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 the style and language of the novel. How does the language of Kokoro contribute to the tone of the narrative? What differences can be seen in the ways that Soseki and Sensei communicate verbally?

(see the answer keys)

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