1. What does Kaname look forward to seeing when he visits his father-in-law in Chapter 9? Why does Misako's father play the samisen with his eyes closed?

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

3. Why does Kaname decide to send a letter to Misako's father to tell him about their divorce? What does Misako's father tell Kaname after he finds out?

4. Describe the puppet theater in Chapter 11.

5. What memory does Kaname recall as he is listening to the samisen music? Why does he think this memory is significant?

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

7. At the end of Chapter 14, what does Kaname realize he wants?

8. At the end of Chapter 12, what makes Kaname think it is unacceptable for him to stay with Misako?

9. In Chapter 10, what does O-hisa say she would rather be doing than going to see the theater shows?

10. After six months of crying nightly, what did Misako finally admit to Kaname? What did Kaname and Misako agree to after her confession?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the motif of dolls in the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." What are some examples of dolls in the novel? What comparison does Kaname make between the dolls and his real life?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the conclusion of the novel "Some Prefer Nettles." How does the novel conclude? Is it a happy ending for Kaname? Why or why not? Is the ending believable? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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