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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 there a commotion on the hillside as the young men talk about building the house on the beach?

2. What does Jiya tell Kino's father about what he wants to do?

3. What makes Kino happy about climbing the hill?

4. As time passes, Setsu has grown into a pretty, _______________ girl.

5. Why does Kino say that they are unfortunate to live in Japan?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Kino's father open to the offer that the Old Gentleman makes regarding Jiya?

2. Why does Kino think that it would be impossible for Jiya to turn down the Old Gentleman's offer?

3. How does Kino's father compare the gateway of death to the gateway of life so that Kino will have a better understanding?

4. What reason do two men give to Kino and Jiya for building a house on the beach?

5. What is Jiya's rationale for why the Old Gentleman's castle is no safer than a house on the beach?

6. What is Kino's father's position on why Japanese people don't fear death?

7. What explanation do the two men give when Kino asks what they will do if the big wave comes back?

8. What does Jiya tell the Old Gentleman about why the villagers are brave?

9. What requirement does Kino's father make of Jiya before he makes his decision about living with the Old Gentleman and what is Kino charged with doing regarding Jiya's decision?

10. Why is the Old Gentleman frustrated with the young men building the house on the beach?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of the Old Gentleman. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 2

What is the role of the Old Gentleman in the story? What does he represent for the villagers? Is he smart but possibly not so wise when it comes to human relations and the human spirit?

Essay Topic 3

There are several events of foreshadowing in the story. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

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