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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. Ole Jurgensen bought the old Miyamoto house as a place for his

2. When Ishmael and Hatsue begin to make love, Hatsue realizes

3. Susan Marie Heine says that she knew

4. Hatsue's mother is upset and decides to

5. Among other ailments, attorney Nels Gundersson

Short Essay Questions

1. Ishmael's experience at war is as horrendous as it gets. What is his attitude toward Hatsue by now, and why?

2. What has caused Ishmael Chambers to be so cynical?

3. Describe Amity Harbor. Is it an upscale town? Does it seem inviting?

4. Why does Hatsue ignore Ishmael at school?

5. What makes Hatsue and Ishmael close?

6. Why is Ishmael forced to pretend he does not have feelings for Hatsue?

7. Why does Hatsue's mother tear up the letter she has written to Ishmael's parents?

8. Why would reporters from out of town be attending Miyamoto's trial?

9. In most of the anecdotes of snow-related catastrophes on the island, Guterson uses the opportunity to remind us of the folksy nature of this small-town community. Identify some of those instances.

10. What kind of lawyer is Nels Gudmundsson?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What brought the Japanese to the Northwestern corner of the U.S.? How did they get there, and why? Is there still a considerable Japanese population in the island off of Washington state? What is the Japanese population in Washington, in general? Where is the highest concentration? Compare the two cultures and give your opinions on why people such as the Japanese would want to live in the U.S.

Essay Topic 2

Roosevelt swiftly and effectively reacted to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Do a research essay and write about Roosevelt and his response to the Japanese, what followed and the eventual result. Did Roosevelt have a high popularity rating in America at this time. Did he handle the war effectively and in the best way possible? Take a position.

Essay Topic 3

Review Hatsue's childhood in this book and join the Imada family in your imagination. Write an essay about the Imadas' lifestyle and determine whether it is one that you could tolerate or not. Were there certain choices made by the Imadas that made life more difficult for them, or were they totally at the mercy of their circumstances? What about their lives is pleasant, and what is not?

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