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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. Why is Mrs. Brent crying when Kaname sees her?

2. What does Kaname give Misako permission to do in her affair with Aso?

3. What happens to the puppeteers as the puppet plays go on in Chapter 11?

4. Why does Misako's father close his eyes while he sings in Chapter 7?

5. Why does Misako refuse to see her father in Chapter 13?

Short Essay Questions

1. After assuring Takanatsu that Aso's intentions are honorable, what does Takanatsu assume?

2. What did Kaname notice about Misako after she met Aso?

3. What does Kaname think about the relationship between his father-in-law and O-hisa in Chapter 9?

4. In Chapter 8, what does Takanatsu say will prevent Kaname and Misako from ever divorcing? .

5. How did Hiroshi find out about his parents' separation?

6. Describe the puppet theater in Chapter 11.

7. What does Kaname think when he hears Aso will not make Misako any promises?

8. In Chapter 13, what does Kaname find out from the letter from Takanatsu?

9. What establishment does Kaname go to when he reaches Kobe? Why does Kaname like to go to this place?

10. Why do O-hisa and Misako's father have such difficulty tying her kimono sash?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Tanizaki's use of metaphor in the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." What are some examples of metaphor in the novel? How do these metaphors relate to the novel's themes?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the motif of adultery in the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." What are some examples of adultery in the novel? Describe Kaname's adulterous relationship with Louise. Describe Misako's adulterous relationship with Aso. How do these relationships affect the marriage between Kaname and Misako?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of East versus West in the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." What are some examples of Western influences in the novel? What does Kaname think of the Western influences? Which characters symbolize the East and which characters symbolize the West?

(see the answer keys)

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