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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 say about returning to Hong Kong in his July, 1938 letters to his sister and mother?

2. Where has Matsu been when he returns to the beach house?

3. Who does Stephen refer to as "master of the house" in the journal entry about his September, 1938 visit?

4. What does Stephen's father tell him his parents agree on when he visits in June of 1938?

5. What does Stephen think might be the reason that Keiko's father hates him?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Keiko let Stephen know she is interested in him despite her father?

3. How does Sachi incorporate flowers in her garden?

4. Why is the fishing knife of great importance to Matsu?

5. Does Stephen feel that he is at danger from the war?

6. What information does Stephen get from Penelope's letter?

7. Describe Matsu's behavior at Sachi's house.

8. Who is Sumiko?

9. What do the readers know about the relationship between Fumiko and Matsu?

10. How does Stephen feel when Matsu walks in and interrupts Sachi's story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Blame and shame are recurring themes in the novel, although they sometimes are related to honor and loyalty. Choose one of these four themes (blame, shame, honor, or loyalty) that you think most shapes the tone of the story.

1) Give at least three examples to support your statement.

2) Explain if or how that theme is related to the other three listed above.

Essay Topic 2

When Stephen overhears Kenzo's attack on Sachi, he remains silent. Should he have spoken up and defended her? Argue this point from both the opinion that he should have spoken up and from the perspective that he was wise to remain silent. Compare the way Stephen handles this situation with the way he handles another event in the story.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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