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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 does Shimamura's wife warn him about the season?

2. How does Komako practice music?

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

4. Where did the food come from that the innkeeper's wife is warming?

5. How long does Komako say it has been since Shimamura last visited the resort town when he returns at the beginning of Part Two?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Komako's drunken arrival at Shimamura's room at three in the morning.

2. After delivering a note to Shimamura, what does Yoko ask of him concerning her travel plans?

3. Why does Shimamura make his third trip to the resort town?

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

5. What is the bird chasing festival?

6. What is the content of the first note Komako sends to Shimamura, and who does she have deliver it?

7. What explanation does Komako give about her rumored engagement to Yukio?

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

9. After Yukio's death, what does Komako inform Shimamura about Yoko in Part Two of the novel?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss art and culture as it relates to the novel. What traditional Japanese art and customs are mentioned in the novel? What significance do these examples have on the novel and characters?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the female leads of the novel: Komako and Yoko. Compare and contrast the following:

a) Komako's and Yoko's personality traits.

b) Komako's and Yoko's role in the story.

c) Komako's and Yoko's relationship with Shimamura.

Essay Topic 3

The novel is set in Japan during the 1930's. Discuss Japan in the 1930's and how this setting affects the narrative.

(see the answer keys)

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