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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 does Otake play first?

2. When the Master's opponent leaves, who is the only person with him at the inn?

3. Since the mood is tense, where is the Master taken to retreat in between sessions?

4. What role does the Master play in his art?

5. How old is Otake?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Uragami notice in a photograph of the Master that he adds in his article?

2. Why is Otake teased in the newspaper articles about the match?

3. What does Uragami associate with the Master and his death?

4. Why does the Master go into another room with his white stone?

5. On the first day of play, what does Otake apologize for and why does he do this?

6. What is the ceremonial opening for the go game like?

7. How does the Master act during the game of go that is revealed in his breathing?

8. Why is Otake willing to forfeit the game?

9. What is the controversy surrounding the match he had with Wu?

10. What are some concessions made for the game that seem very difficult to follow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Master and Otake are two of the most active characters in the game of go.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them, and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Otake had a direct influence upon? What are some events that The Master had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support or sympathy to people that attempt to play the game of Go and win? Which one is stronger, and why?

Essay Topic 2

Knowledge is an important concept of the book. Who has knowledge, and in what way? Who loses or gains knowledge? Is Shusai's desire for knowledge the same as that of Otake? What is different about them? What about the members of the team Shusai was on? In what ways were these individuals similar in their pursuit of knowledge or influence, and in what ways were they different?

Essay Topic 3

One of the main themes in the book is ethical and social responsibility. List at least four examples where Kawabata employs this specific theme. Is the battle between making ethical choices obvious or subtle? What characters are involved in this kind of battle? Do you think the right person or group won? Does good always triumph over evil in the case of The Master of Go ethics? Where do these definitions appear vague or incomprehensible?

(see the answer keys)

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