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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Whose obituary is printed at the end of the story?
(a) Beethoven's.
(b) Henry Barrett's.
(c) Hanzaburo's.
(d) Tsuneko's.

2. What does Shinsuke call the diary he wants to write?
(a) Diary of Hope.
(b) Diary without Self-Deceit.
(c) The Diary of the Forgotten.
(d) Poverty Pourings.

3. What was Akutagawa's brother-in-law wearing when he died?
(a) A rain coat.
(b) A pair of jeans.
(c) A stetson.
(d) A robe.

4. What does Yasukichi enjoy writing?
(a) Novels.
(b) Haikus.
(c) Short stories.
(d) Poems.

5. How did Akutagawa's brother-in-law kill himself?
(a) He slit his throat.
(b) He hung himself.
(c) He jumped off a bridge.
(d) He threw himself in front of a train.

Short Answer Questions

1. What become Shinsuke's primary pastime?

2. Who does the author believe is chasing him?

3. What does the narrator's father try to bribe the narrator with?

4. What does Shinsuke start to take a dislike of?

5. What city was Shinsuke born in?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Akutagawa become so upset about the raincoat?

2. Why does Shinsuke struggle to make friends?

3. How do the Honda's relative's react to the eulogy?

4. Why does Oshino need new legs?

5. Why does the narrator say he feels guilty?

6. What does Akutagawa hear on the phone?

7. What are Shinsuke's views on beauty?

8. How does the author end the story?

9. Why does Yasukichi write cliches and sentimental clap-trap in the eulogy?

10. What does the doctor say is wrong with the baby?

(see the answer keys)

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