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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 is said about the shantytowns by Pie in her letter?

2. What reports does Stephen record about the war in his May 15th, 1938 journal entry?

3. What does Sachi say Tanka should not have saved after the fire destroys Tanka's home?

4. When does Stephen's mother say that she and Pie will come to visit in her May, 1938 letter?

5. What story does Sachi's caregiver in Yamaguchi tell her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why aren't there any journal entries for a month after Kenzo's funeral?

2. Who is Sumiko?

3. How does Sachi incorporate flowers in her garden?

4. Where is the Kerria plant found and what does it mean?

5. What is Sachi's relationship with Michiko?

6. Describe Stephen's visit with his father.

7. What do Stephen's lack of journal entries due to rebuilding in Yamaguchi indicate?

8. What does Stephen describe as his memories of Keiko?

9. How does Matsu feel about his sister's decision to deal with her disease?

10. How does Keiko feel about her father's behavior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Marriage and fidelity are on Stephen's mind after the revelation of his father's affair. However, both Stephen and his mother seem to accept the new arrangement even if they don't like it. How would the story be altered if Stephen's father had never admitted to the affair? How would it change if Yoshiko had been introduced to Stephen? Would a more detailed history of the marriage between Stephen's parents be pertinent to the storyline? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

For each of the gifts listed below, explain who it was to and from, what the reason for the gift was and how it affected the giver or receiver.

1) Daruma doll

2) Yoken

3) Paint brushes

4) Lucky stones

5) Another of your choice

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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