|Name: _________________________||Period: ___________________|
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Who does Sachi say saved her from being trampled at a celebration many years earlier?
2. To whom does Stephen give a miniature pine tree in a clay planter?
3. What does Stephen receive from his mother in November?
4. How are Stephen and Matsu greeted on their second visit to Sachi?
5. What is a kado-matsu?
Short Essay Questions
1. Why does Stephen lie to his mother?
2. Describe the relationship between Kenzo, Matsu, and Sachi when Stephen first meets Kenzo.
3. How does Stephen react to the news in his mother's November,1937 letter?
4. Describe the relationship between Stephen and his father in the beginning of the book.
5. What does Stephen think about the impact of the war?
6. Why does Kenzo call Sachi a monster?
7. Describe the events that lead to Stephen's trip to Tarumi.
8. How does Stephen feel about making friends with people once he is settled in the beach house?
9. How does Stephen describe Matsu's garden?
10. What conflicting accounts of the war does Stephen hear?
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
Nature is an important setting throughout Stephen's journal and journeys. Choose three separate natural locations or events and:
1) Explain what purpose they serve
2) Relate them to Stephen's growth as a character
3) Describe how the story would change without them
Essay Topic 3
Point of view is an important element of style as this story as told through Stephen's journal. Choose three events in the story that would be dramatically altered if the story was told from a different point of view. Give specific examples that support your assertions. Why do you think the author chose to tell the story through the point of view that she did?
This section contains 902 words
(approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page)