HOTCOBS Final Reading Questions (Pgs. 223-End)

Wray Name: E9 Per:

HOTCOBS Final Reading Questions (Pgs. 223-end)

1. What important message does Keiko have for Henry on pg 227? Explain how you could argue that this is the most important passage from the novel.

2. What does Mr. Okabe say to Henry about loyalty and obedience? (229-30) What do Mr. Okabe and Henry’s father have in common when it comes to loyalty and obedience? How do they differ?

3. Why is the journey to Canton the ultimate gift Henry’s father can give him? Why does his mom finally “pick a side”? Why does Henry agree to go to Canton? 238-9 What bargain does he make with his father? See 238- 239 and 251-252.

4. What happens between young Keiko and Henry? How does Ethel factor in? See 261 and 264-265.

5. What does Henry’s father mean when he says I did it for you? What does Henry realize his father is doing? What did he do? Do you agree that Henry’s father did what he thought was right? 6. Sheldon says, “I think it’s time you fixed it, Henry. But I wasn’t talking about that old record. If you can put those broken pieces together, make some music again, then that’s what you should do. But I wasn’t talking ’bout the record, Henry” (271). Explain what Sheldon means.

7. Marty sets out Henry’s best suit and places a plane ticket to New York City in the breast pocket. What is so perfect about this gesture? How is it different than a nearly identical moment from Henry’s past? How does this relate to fixing what’s broken?

8. Do you think Henry and Marty have repaired their relationship by the end of the book? Explain.

9. What item in Keiko’s apartment lets Henry know that she never stopped thinking about him or gave up?

10. Do you think Henry is able to forgive his father? Explain.

11. How does M and S’s relationship right what went wrong with H and K’s relationship?