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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. Who comes to take Jiro to Okada?

2. What does the Samurai tell Yoshida?

3. What does Jiro find where he is preparing to practice?

4. How does Jiro respond to Yashida's questioning?

5. What does Okada admit to Jiro?

Short Essay Questions

1. What part is Kinshi assigned in the new play and what does Jiro learn as they go to get puppets for Kinshi to practice?

2. What does Jiro think about concerning arranging a meeting with Saburo?

3. What does Jiro conclude after seeing the Samurai sword?

4. What wakes Jiro in the night and what is the outcome?

5. What does Okada tell Jiro and how does Jiro react?

6. What does Hanji tell Jiro and offer to do, and what is Jiro's response?

7. How does Joman avoid being executed?

8. What is the story that the puppeteer tells Jiro?

9. Describe the conversation between Okada and Jiro.

10. How does Yoshida react when his play is shut down and what does he decide to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Master Puppeteer.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Master Puppeteer. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Master Puppeteer. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Master Puppeteer. Questions that Peterson most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Peterson' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Peterson' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Peterson and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss The Master Puppeteer based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if The Master Puppeteer is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider The Master Puppeteer a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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