Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Eriko insists that the best way for Mikage to move on from grief is to take care of something besides herself.

• How is her decision to bring Yuichi katsudon emblematic of her embracing this advice? (topic sentence)
• What does her relationship with Yuichi mean for her process of moving on from the losses she’s experienced?
• How does this relate to the themes from the novel?

2. Eriko’s transgender identity is treated matter-of-factly by the characters in Kitchen, but it would be unusual for a transgender person to find such easy acceptance in 1980s Japan.

• What is Kitchen trying to say with Eriko’s identity and character? (topic sentence)
• How does Eriko embrace her transgender identity, and what does it mean to her? (You might also address Hiirage’s cross-dressing).
• How does Eriko’s transition help her heal from the death of her wife?

3. Urara is a strange, beguiling presence in Satsuki’s life.