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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. At the beginning of Chapter 7, Yuki is visiting her grandparents for the following event:

2. How does Hideki behave toward Yuki following Shizuko's death?

3. Which fruit does Yuki offer to pick while at her grandparents' home?

4. According to Hanae, whenever she goes into the attic, she thinks of:

5. In Chapter 6, why has Sachiko decided not to go out for cross-country?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 15, Yuki convinces herself that what she feels for Isamu is only friendship. Is Yuki telling the truth?

2. Is Hideki affectionate toward Yuki?

3. What event changes Yuki's temperament and attitude toward her grandparents during her visit in March 1972?

4. On the day of her father's wedding, what does Yuki promise her Aunt Aya that she will do? Does she keep her promise?

5. In the beginning of Chapter 12, what does Yuki intend to do with Shizuko's stored belongings in the attic?

6. Why does Shizuko give Yuki the business card that Mr. Kimura left her? What is Shizuko's reason for deciding not to call Mr. Kimura again?

7. Why does Yuki find herself unable to speak about Monet's painting in front of the class?

8. Why does Shizuko destroy one of the goodbye notes at the end of Chapter 1?

9. At the end of Chapter 12, Yuki decides that she must move on and leave behind empty spaces. To what is she referring?

10. What happens at the end of Chapter 2 after Yuki changes her clothes for the wake?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the book, there is an uplifting sense of hope and optimism for the future. How does this contrast with the tonality at the beginning of the novel? Has the change been slow and gradual, or does the emotive quality break free of its chains within a single instance? If so, what triggers the change? Explore the tonality of the novel from beginning to end through the voice of Yuki.

Essay Topic 2

Explore how the book depicts the sanctity of life through Yuki's varied experiences and beliefs.

Part 1) How does Yuki demonstrate respect for each creature's right to live?

Part 2) How does she feel about death without cause? Explore scenes in which Yuki speaks about her convictions.

Part 3) From where does Yuki's preoccupation with the sanctity of life likely stem? Why?

Part 4) How does Yuki's respect for life manifest as the years pass?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the symbolism of flowers, specifically irises and azaleas, in the novel.

Part 1) Relate these symbols to Yuki's life and the novel's central themes.

Part 2) In what way do these symbols reveal Yuki's inner feelings?

Part 3) Explain how these symbols help to tell Yuki's story.

(see the answer keys)

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