- 1. Silence, a profound novel by Shūsaku Endō, delves into the complexities of faith, isolation, and cultural conflict during the 17th century, particularly focusing on the experiences of a Portuguese Jesuit missionary named Sebastião Rodrigues. Set against the backdrop of Japan's brutal persecution of Christians, the narrative captures Rodrigues's struggle as he journeys to Japan in search of his mentor, Ferreira, who is rumored to have renounced his faith under torture. As Rodrigues confronts the stark reality of a society that views Christianity with suspicion and hostility, he grapples with the silence of God amidst suffering, questioning the very essence of faith and the burden of silence when faced with moral dilemmas. Endō's exploration of spirituality is introspective and haunting, exposing the tension between belief and betrayal, as Rodrigues ultimately faces an agonizing choice that forces him to consider the implications of his convictions and the nature of divine love. The novel is not just a historical account but a deeply philosophical inquiry that resonates with themes of alienation and the struggle for faith in a seemingly indifferent world.
Who is the protagonist of 'Silence'?
A) Rodrigues
B) Kichijiro
C) Mitsuko
D) Inoue
- 2. In which country does the majority of 'Silence' take place?
A) China
B) India
C) Japan
D) Portugal
- 3. Who betrays Rodrigues under pressure?
A) Inoue
B) Father Ferreira
C) Kichijiro
D) Mitsuko
- 4. What is the ultimate test of Rodrigues' faith?
A) A test of loyalty
B) A test of apostasy
C) A test of endurance
D) A test of friendship
- 5. What does Rodrigues hear throughout his imprisonment?
A) Voices
B) Laughter
C) Silence
D) Music
- 6. Rodrigues' experience ultimately leads him to question what?
A) Human relationships
B) The nature of God
C) Cultural identity
D) The existence of evil
- 7. What literary style does Endō use in 'Silence'?
A) Modernist poetry
B) Philosophical realism
C) Gothic fiction
D) Magical realism
A) A samurai leader
B) A political leader
C) Rodrigues' mentor
D) A Jesuit who renounced his faith
- 9. What happens to Rodrigues at the end of the novel?
A) He lives in silent faith
B) He returns to Portugal
C) He dies a martyr
D) He escapes to America
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