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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 did Naomi's grandfather spend his life building?

2. As a child, how does Naomi remember the sounds of music that filled the house?

3. When Aunt Emily comes to visit Obasan and Naomi, who picks her up from the airport?

4. What article of Stephen's clothing is damaged by a racist classmate?

5. During their relocation, what part of Stephen's body is in a cast?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Naomi's mother leave her, and what is Naomi's reaction?

2. What is the story of Momotaro?

3. What is Naomi accused of doing with a kitten by one of her classmates?

4. What disturbing dreams does Naomi begin to have about her mother after she is released from the hospital?

5. What preparations are made for Uncle's arrival in Slocan, and how is he greeted?

6. What evidence does Naomi find as an adult as to the welfare of her mother and grandmother after the war's end?

7. Why does Obasan awaken Naomi in the middle of the night and take her into the attic?

8. What change is made in Naomi and Stephen's education after Uncle arrives to Slocan?

9. What was Naomi's relationship to Old Man Gower?

10. What did Naomi see when she first arrived at her relocation hut as a child?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Naomi cares for many young animals throughout the course of the novel. Briefly describe two of the caretaking roles that Naomi took on growing up and explain how caretaking provided an outlet for Naomi's grief.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Naomi struggles with the question of whether she should remember the past or simply forget it. Compare and contrast the benefits and disadvantages in both of these strategies. Then, explain what Naomi's process was moving from a forgetful past to a future full of memories.

Essay Topic 3

Naomi has a very strenuous relationship with her mother throughout the course of the novel. Create a timeline of Naomi's life in regards to her relationship with her mother. At what times did Naomi feel closest to her mother? At what times did she seem furthest away? What triggers were in place to prompt the changes that Naomi felt toward her mother?

(see the answer keys)

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