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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Stephen go to Tarumi?
(a) His father wants him to learn about the import-export business.
(b) Stephen's sister is sick and he is sent away to avoid getting the disease.
(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.

2. What does Stephen expect to be his only solace in Tarumi?
(a) Painting.
(b) Writing in his journal.
(c) Creating a garden.
(d) Swimming in the ocean.

3. What New Year's gifts does Stephen receive from his family?
(a) A daruma doll.
(b) A setsbun.
(c) Clothes, a watch, and books.
(d) Canvas and paints.

4. Where does Stephen say the young men of the village are when he visits for Kenzo's burial?
(a) Moved to other cities.
(b) Celebrating at the shrine.
(c) Fighting against China.
(d) Dead from leprosy.

5. Who says, "You really are a monster"?
(a) Sachi.
(b) Kenzo.
(c) Matsu.
(d) Stephen.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Matsu say Sachi moved to her mountain home?

2. What does the throwing of beans represent?

3. What object of Tomoko's did Matsu give to Sachi?

4. What reason does Stephen's father give for sending his mistress a large sum of money?

5. Who says, "A Japanese woman would never do such a thing," and to whom is that person referring?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Stephen react to the news in his mother's November,1937 letter?

2. What conflicting accounts of the war does Stephen hear?

3. What does Stephen think about the impact of the war?

4. Describe the relationship between Stephen and his father in the beginning of the book.

5. Describe Sachi's house during the New Year's celebration?

6. What does Stephen's father reveal about Matsu's history?

7. What implications are given that Matsu is becoming fond of Stephen?

8. How does Stephen describe Matsu's garden?

9. How does Stephen feel about making friends with people once he is settled in the beach house?

10. Describe a daruma doll.

(see the answer keys)

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