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

2. What does Stephen's mother ask him to do?

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

4. Why do Stephen and Matsu initially go to Yamaguchi?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Stephen struggle with at the Shinto shrine and why?

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

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

4. How does the removal of Sachi's scarf indicate her growing closeness to Stephen?

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

6. Why does Kenzo call Sachi a monster?

7. How is Setsbun celebrated?

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

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

10. Describe the relationship between Kenzo, Matsu, and Sachi when Stephen first meets Kenzo.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While Stephen is the main character in the story, there are also many supporting and minor characters that add to his tale. Choose one other main character, one supporting character, and one minor character. For each one, compare and contrast him or her with Stephen and give examples of how that person affected his life in positive or negative way.

Essay Topic 2

One technique used frequently in this story is to go back in time to fill in the gaps of a character's life or an event. Unlike a flashback where a character recalls an event, characters in this book must tell Stephen their story, or even retell someone else's story.

1) Explain how the story of Michiko might change as Sachi retells it to Stephen.

2) Compare and contrast an event told first hand from Stephen with one told through a retelling.

3) Argue the benefits and drawbacks of the author's decision to use this method of storytelling.

Essay Topic 3

Stephen's budding relationship with Keiko is both exciting and frustrating for him. As their relationship progresses, and Stephen matures, his reaction to Keiko's responses also change. Document the progression of this relationship and explain how Stephen's personal growth and maturity is reflected in his actions and feelings.

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