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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 role does Mameha dance in "A Courtier Returns to His Wife"?

2. What has Sayuri written on the front page of her journal?

3. How many years have passed since the Chairman told Sayuri about his feelings by the end of the narration?

4. What is the name of the dance Sayuri performs that moves the Chairman to tears?

5. What is the theme for the season's "Dances of the Old Capital"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why Sayuri needs to leave Gion after the Chairman becomes her danna and what arrangements are made for her to do so.

2. What does Sayuri think about on her way to Hakone?

3. Describe Sayuri's encounter with Yasuda Akira and what she learns from it.

4. Explain the disagreement Hatsumomo and Sayuri have about the brooch in chapter 27.

5. What happens when Sayuri watches Mameha dance at the performance of "Dances of the Old Capital"?

6. Why doesn't Nobu like the Baron?

7. Why does Nobu say he's angry with Sayuri at the end of chapter 26?

8. Describe how Sayuri feels about the act of seducing the Minister.

9. What causes Sayuri to begin talking to Dr. Crab about taking her clothes off?

10. What does Sayuri realize in thinking about Satsu while living with the Arashinos?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe how Arthur Golden uses symbols to further the plot in chapters 9 and 10 when Chiyo is trying to decide what to do with her future. Back up your description with several examples from the text, such as Chiyo's dream of the old man opening the window, the dead moth, the several wrapped packages, or Mameha's consultation of the almanac.

Essay Topic 2

Using the Baron's forceful undressing of her as an example, describe Sayuri's inability to defend herself and explain how this inability relates to Nobu and what angers him throughout his friendship with Sayuri.

Essay Topic 3

Use a specific situation from the story to characterize the topic of exploitation as it recurs throughout the novel.

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