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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 festival at night, what does Shimamura say is different in the resort town than in Tokyo?

2. Which of Yoko's features is Komako certain Shimamura likes?

3. How does Shimamura describe the voice that he hears calling to Komako from the hallway?

4. In her new home, what must Komako do to save electricity?

5. On the night of the festival, who asks Shimamura whether he ever worries about other people's problems?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Komako practice her samisen playing?

2. What is Komako's reaction to the news that Yukio is dying?

3. At the time of Shimamura's return in Part 2, what is Komako's financial situation like?

4. How is Komako's samisen delivered to the inn?

5. What do Shimamura and Komako do the night before he is to leave for Tokyo?

6. What discussion does Shimamura overhear in the hallway?

7. What makes Shimamura "strangely reluctant" to call Komako to the inn?

8. What is the bird chasing festival?

9. What occupation did Yoko once consider, and why did she give it up?

10. What does Shimamura find when he awakes at the beginning of this section of Part One?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the relationship of Shimamura and Komako. In your opinion, what is the true nature of their relationship? Do they love each other? What problems have they faced?

Essay Topic 2

Women in the 1930's behaved and were treated differently than today. How are women portrayed in the story? What role do women play in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the meaning of the seasons and the changing of the seasons in the novel.

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This section contains 707 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample