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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did the Kendo instructor at Kurosawa's school do that ingratiated him to Kurosawa?
(a) Picked him up in a bout.
(b) Complimented his form.
(c) Bowed to him.
(d) Used a dirty word.

2. In The Gleam of Fireflies, what grade was young Akira graduating from?
(a) Nineth.
(b) Twelfth.
(c) First.
(d) Fifth.

3. Why was Akira Kurosawa humiliated in his early memory about his nurse?
(a) She dressed him like a girl.
(b) She batted him around like a kitten.
(c) She held him while using the toilet.
(d) She never changed his diaper.

4. How does Mr. Iwamatsu respond to students who are struggling with exams?
(a) He mocks them mercilessly.
(b) He shrugs.
(c) He tells them the answers.
(d) He helps them through problems.

5. What ridiculous order did Kurosawa give his platoon as leader?
(a) He orders them to go to sleep.
(b) He directs them to to fire in the air.
(c) He orders them to take off their clothes.
(d) He marches them into a wall.

Short Answer Questions

1. What weakness does Kurosawa concede in Keika Middle School?

2. What did Kurosawa and Uekusa Keinosuke have in common when they met?

3. Where did young Akira's father like to take his son addition to the cinema?

4. Why was young Akira sent to Toyokawa Village?

5. How does Kurosawa describe the style of institution that Kuroda Primary School is?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Akira Kurosawa not fight in the military?

2. Who is Mr. Tachikawa?

3. What is Akira Kurosawa's earliest memory?

4. What was Forgotten Children, and how did it affect Kurosawa?

5. What embarrassments did young Akira experience at his father's hometown?

6. Years later, what does Kurosawa think about his brother's insistence that they explore the carnage?

7. How did the earthquake provide an opportunity for violence in Tokyo?

8. What ethical dilemma did Kurosawa face at his graduation?

9. What bad relationship did Akira develop at Keika Middle School?

10. How does Kurosawa compare his parents' personalities in Kendo?

(see the answer keys)

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