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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 do the two priests talk about?

2. What happened to Yokose-no-Ura?

3. What is the goal of a missionary?

4. Who has ordered the peasants' torture?

5. What happens to Garrpe?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Rodrigues realize in Chapter 7?

4. Describe Rodrigues' meeting with the five samurai.

5. From what does the snoring sound come?

6. How does Rodrigues react to the sound of his jailer snoring?

7. What routine does Rodrigues settle into in Chapter 6?

8. Why is Rodrigues transported in a covered caravan?

9. What will happen to the villagers in Chapter 7 if Rodrigues does not apostatize?

10. How can Rodriguez's actions in Chapter 5 be deemed as wrong?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify the main themes of the story. Why do you think these themes are so important to the story? How does Endo use character and setting to express these themes?

Essay Topic 2

Silence is described as historical fiction and therefore the reader would expect aspects of the novel to be historically accurate. What parts of the novel do you think have to be accurate? In what parts does Endo need to exaggerate the truth and why? Can such a book ever be regarded as an accurate historical account?

Essay Topic 3

Compare the characters of Ferreira and Rodrigues.

1) In what ways do their morals and beliefs differ?

2) Do you agree they are one of the same person as Endo states at the end of the novel?

3) How can they help each other as they struggle to cope with life in Japan?

(see the answer keys)

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