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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. How does Stephen get to Kobe?
(a) Bicycle.
(b) Walking.
(c) Mule.
(d) Boat.

3. Who does Keiko say is in the Japanese army?
(a) Her brother.
(b) The man she was engaged to.
(c) Her cousin.
(d) Her uncle.

4. What is Stephen's reaction to his father's visit to Tamuri in October of 1937?
(a) Suspicious.
(b) Unphased.
(c) Surprised, but elated.
(d) Annoyed at the intrusion.

5. Where does Stephen's father spend most of his time?
(a) Canton.
(b) Japan.
(c) China.
(d) Beach house in Tarumi.

6. How do Stephen and Sachi acknowledge each other outside the temple after Kenzo's funeral?
(a) They speak in whispers.
(b) They bow to each other.
(c) They don't acknowledge each other.
(d) They look in each other's eyes.

7. What does Stephen's father promise to send him?
(a) Newspapers.
(b) Paints.
(c) A Letter.
(d) Canvases.

8. Who does Stephen say he is happy to discover he will spend New Year's with?
(a) Matsu.
(b) His father.
(c) Sachi.
(d) Keiko.

9. Where does Stephen see the "nicest Christmas tree I ever had"?
(a) In Matsu's garden.
(b) At Keiko's house.
(c) In a memory of his youth in China.
(d) In Sachi's garden.

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

11. Why does Sachi say Tomoko contracted leprosy?
(a) Their family was poor.
(b) The girls were vain.
(c) She ate poorly.
(d) The girls spent too much time indoors.

12. What is Stephen's interpretation of his parents' marriage at the end of the December journal entries?
(a) That it is over.
(b) That it is healing.
(c) That it is at a painful point in a growth process.
(d) That it is no more than a business arrangement.

13. Who does Sachi say saved her from being trampled at a celebration many years earlier?
(a) Kenzo.
(b) Her father.
(c) Matsu.
(d) An unidentified soldier.

14. What does Stephen learn about his father at the beach?
(a) He wanted to be a painter when he was younger.
(b) He can't swim.
(c) He was once a competitive swimmer.
(d) His real age.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Stephen meet in Yamaguchi?

2. What, according to Sachi, is true about Sachi and Tomoko as children?

3. Why do Stephen and Matsu go to the shrine?

4. Who sends Stephen a letter telling of the massacre in Nanking?

5. How does his father's departure affect Stephen?

(see the answer keys)

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