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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Stephen call the person he meets in Yamaguchi a kindred spirit?
(a) This person is sad.
(b) This person is a painter.
(c) This person is lonely.
(d) This person is ill.

2. What is a kado-matsu?
(a) A symbol for luck that is used for making a wish.
(b) A wreath symbolizing prosperity, purity, longevity, and loyalty.
(c) A rope of twisted straw thought to keep away evil spirits.
(d) A totem to keep out demons, cold, and pestilence.

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

4. To whom does Stephen give a miniature pine tree in a clay planter?
(a) Keiko.
(b) Sachi.
(c) Matsu.
(d) His mother.

5. Who gives Stephen the black lacquer box with homemade yoken?
(a) Miko.
(b) Pie.
(c) Sachi.
(d) Keiko.

6. What reason does Stephen's father give for sending his mistress a large sum of money?
(a) The money was to help her get through the war.
(b) The money was to pay for her medical bills.
(c) The money was to invest in a new business.
(d) The money was to pay for a child he had with her.

7. How does Stephen describe the houses in the village of Yamaguchi?
(a) As small domiciles of peace.
(b) As a mish-mash of leftovers.
(c) As sores on the already pained landscape.
(d) As being pieced together from scraps.

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

9. Who sends Stephen a letter telling of the massacre in Nanking?
(a) His mother.
(b) King.
(c) Henry.
(d) His father.

10. How does Sachi say Tomoko died?
(a) She was poisoned.
(b) The disease killed her.
(c) She took her life with a fishing knife.
(d) She drowned herself.

11. What gift does Matsu give Stephen after the visit to Yamaguchi?
(a) A set of expensive paint brushes.
(b) A traditional garment.
(c) Part of the garden.
(d) A new canvas.

12. Why do Stephen and Matsu initially go to Yamaguchi?
(a) To deliver a message.
(b) To deliver items from the garden.
(c) To get Stephen some fresh air.
(d) To visit a friend of Matsu's.

13. Who says, "A Japanese woman would never do such a thing," and to whom is that person referring?
(a) Kenzo referring to Yoshiko.
(b) Kenzo referring to Stephen's mother.
(c) Stephen referring to Yoshiko.
(d) Stephen referring to his mother.

14. What does Stephen give Sachi in this second visit?
(a) A drawing of the beach.
(b) A portrait of herself.
(c) A painting of the garden.
(d) A painting of her house.

15. Who is there when Stephen regains consciousness after being hit by the wave?
(a) His father.
(b) Sachi.
(c) Kenzo.
(d) Keiko.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Stephen's first impression of the person who meets him at the station?

2. What does Stephen tell his mother about his father's affair?

3. Why does Matsu say he decides to visit Tama with Stephen?

4. Why does Sachi say Tomoko contracted leprosy?

5. What does Stephen learn about his father at the beach?

(see the answer keys)

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