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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Hideki studies the sketch of Yuki holding a bouquet of daisies, what thought strikes him?

2. What is Yuki's pervading thought when she first learns that Takeo is dead?

3. What does Mr. Kimura bring Yuki when he joins her outside in Chapter 11?

4. How does Takeo feel about the land reform?

5. Who gives Yuki the letter from her Aunt Aya in the beginning of Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Each character in the novel displays a different attitude toward death and the nature of loved ones passing. Compare and contrast the main characters of the novel: Yuki, Masa, Takeo, and Hideki. How do their approaches to grief vary? How have they grown and progressed by the end of the book? What understandings do they come to about death and those that have departed?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Shizuko's sense of loneliness and isolation to that of Yuki. What causes each to become isolated from others? Compare and contrast the way that these characters cope with the loneliness in their lives. Are these characters in some way responsible for the isolation they face? Why or why not? Is Yuki able to overcome loneliness in her life? If so, how does she accomplish this?

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