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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 Portuguese name does the interpreter mention?

2. Who waits for Rodrigues in another room?

3. Where are the peasants forced to work?

4. Where does the interpreter say the peasants will be tortured?

5. Who does Rodrigues see begging on the way to town?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Rodrigues contradict his own advice during his captivity?

2. Describe Rodrigues' meeting with the five samurai.

3. What does Rodrigues realize in Chapter 7?

4. Describe Rodrigues' new life in Japan.

5. Why can Rodrigues and Ferreira no longer get along?

6. What is Yokose-no-Ura?

7. Why did Ferreira decide to apostatize?

8. What do Rodrigues and Inoue discuss in Chapter 7?

9. What ultimatum does the samurai give Rodrigues in Chapter 5?

10. What does the samurai say has happened to Ferreira?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the novel's chronological setting.

1) What were the main concerns in Japan during the 17th century. How does Endo express these concerns?

2) How would the novel's meaning change if it were set in today's society?

Essay Topic 2

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Endo use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Aside from the main character, Rodrigues, examine the way Endo uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the values of 17th century Japan.

1) How different was Japanese culture from European culture in the 17th century?

2) Why did the Japanese see Christianity as a threat to their culture?

3) Does modern Japanese society share any values with 17th century Japan?

(see the answer keys)

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