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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What important event occurs at the beginning of Stephen's November journal that leaves him feeling lost?
(a) He hears news of the Japanese Army.
(b) He completes the picture of the painting.
(c) He receives a message from his father.
(d) He discovers a dying part of the garden.

2. What does Matsu reveal about his younger sister while he is in Yamaguchi with Stephen?
(a) She was taken by leprosy.
(b) She was a healer.
(c) She died giving birth to a son.
(d) She died of tuberculosis.

3. What does the throwing of beans represent?
(a) Prosperity, purity, longevity, and loyalty.
(b) The Japanese Army winning the war.
(c) Celebration of the first rites of spring.
(d) Throwing out the demons, cold, and pestilence.

4. Why is Stephen embarrassed by his body?
(a) He is pale.
(b) He feels it is very weak.
(c) He has lost a great deal of weight.
(d) He has pock marks from his illness.

5. What object of Tomoko's did Matsu give to Sachi?
(a) The picture that hangs on her wall.
(b) Her writing pen.
(c) Her lucky stone.
(d) A letter opener.

6. What is the name of the object Stephen gives Matsu for luck?
(a) A tama shrine.
(b) A shime-nawa,
(c) A daruma doll.
(d) A kado-matsu.

7. Why does Stephen go to Tarumi?
(a) Stephen's sister is sick and he is sent away to avoid getting the disease.
(b) His father wants him to learn about the import-export business.
(c) Stephen's mother is concerned he is becoming too reclusive.
(d) He is ill and is sent away for the cooler weather and to avoid infecting others.

8. Who is the person who meets Stephen at the train station in Tarumi?
(a) Matsu.
(b) Pie.
(c) King.
(d) Henry.

9. When does Stephen's father leave Tamuri after his second visit to see Stephen?
(a) Early in the morning before Stephen is awake.
(b) While Stephen and Matsu leave for Tama.
(c) In the middle of their argument.
(d) During dinner.

10. What are Stephen and Matsu doing when the wave crashes into the garden?
(a) Talking by the bridge.
(b) Catching fish from the fish pond.
(c) Discussing Stephen's father.
(d) Arguing about Sachi.

11. How does Stephen first feel when seeing the condition of afflicted villagers?
(a) Sad, but hopeful.
(b) He regrets his decision to come.
(c) Disgusted and guilty for his reaction.
(d) More curious than afraid.

12. Why does Sachi often rearrange the stones in her garden?
(a) To change the garden's appearance.
(b) To help her relax.
(c) To bring luck.
(d) To arrange the best irrigation for her plants.

13. What item is found in Matsu's garden?
(a) A colorful array of vegetables.
(b) A fish pond.
(c) A cherry tree.
(d) An aromatic purple flower.

14. Where does Stephen meet Kenzo?
(a) A teahouse.
(b) Matsu's garden.
(c) Sachi's house.
(d) A marketplace.

15. Where does Matsu invite Stephen after his father leaves?
(a) To Sachi's garden.
(b) A Shinto shrine.
(c) To go to the fishing village.
(d) For a walk on the beach.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Stephen describe the houses in the village of Yamaguchi?

2. What does Sachi tell Stephen when she learns that Matsu was unaware of this visit?

3. What two people do Stephen and his father discuss shortly before his father's departure?

4. What explanation is given for the names of the children in Stephen's family?

5. Who says, "You really are a monster"?

(see the answer keys)

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