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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. Why does Stephen go to Tarumi?

2. What is Stephen's interpretation of his parents' marriage at the end of the December journal entries?

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

4. How do Kenzo and Matsu make amends?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the events that lead to Stephen's trip to Tarumi.

3. Describe Yamaguchi.

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

5. Why is the painting of the garden of importance to Stephen?

6. How do Stephen and Keiko's father interact when they meet in the village after Kenzo's burial?

7. Describe Sachi's garden.

8. How does the storm impact Stephen's relationship with Sachi and Matsu?

9. How did Tomoko's death bring Sachi and Matsu closer?

10. Why does Stephen go to see Sachi after her argument with Kenzo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Prejudice is an underlying theme that accompanies the war and leprosy. While often subtle, the theme is constantly present in the story. Pick three characters that you feel exhibit prejudice and explain:

1) What is the cause of their prejudice?

2) How aware is this person of their prejudice and to what extent do they justify it?

3) Does this character evolve or alter his or her perceptions in the course of the story? Use specific examples to support all your assertions.

Essay Topic 2

Honor is a theme explored in many circumstances and relationships in the Samurai's Garden. In regards to Stephen's parents, their marriage and the way both dealt with the revelation of his father's affair, discuss what it means to be honorable. Give specific examples and explain why you believe that his parents did or did not act honorably in each one. What do you feel they should have, if anything, done differently? What information that you do not have would change your perceptions of them and their actions?

Essay Topic 3

Stephen is often forced to make choices about confronting situations or staying silent and keeping the peace. For each of the following occurrences, explain why Stephen made the choice he did, what values impacted his chosen course of action, and how it affected both him and others in the long run.

1) His father's affair.

2) Keiko's father.

3) Kenzo's attack on Sachi.

(see the answer keys)

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