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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Hiro-matsu request permission to commit seppuku?
(a) because his wife shamed him in public.
(b) because he lost his property.
(c) because he is tired of living.
(d) because of the shame of his grandson's action.

2. When Blackthorne's name is called, what does he think at first?
(a) that he is being saved.
(b) that they finally know how to pronounce his name.
(c) that he is going to his death.
(d) that someone is there to help him escape.

3. During the trip on the galley, how does the weather change?
(a) the clouds hide the stars.
(b) it begins to snow.
(c) the sea becomes calm.
(d) a storm comes up.

4. What are the men given to eat?
(a) uncooked rice.
(b) wilted cabbage.
(c) sushi
(d) putrid fish.

5. What color signifies Toranaga's warriors?
(a) brown.
(b) green.
(c) blue.
(d) gray.

6. Who does Suwa know plans to kill Yabu one day?
(a) Su, the uncle of Yabu's enemy, Ikawa Jikkyu.
(b) Yuriko.
(c) Father Sabastio.
(d) Toranaga.

7. What does Blackthorne suspect about Father Sabastio?
(a) that he is not interpreting properly for the Japanese.
(b) that he is a spy for the Portuguese
(c) that he is using Blackthorne to elevate his own position.
(d) that he fears for his own life by talking to him.

8. How is it planned to get Toranaga to his own territory and palace?
(a) by ship.
(b) by palanquin.
(c) by caravan.
(d) by camel.

9. What prevents the ship from moving once Toranaga and his party are on board?
(a) the Erasmus is blocking their way.
(b) the ship is taking on water fast.
(c) the ship cannot weigh anchor.
(d) the ship is blockaded in by fishing boats all armed with samurai.

10. Why does Ishido Kazunari insult Toranaga?
(a) to challenge his samurai.
(b) to have an excuse for killing him.
(c) to see how he will react.
(d) to precipitate a change in government.

11. When Toda Hiro-matsu arrives, what is Yabu doing?
(a) recruiting an army.
(b) unloading the Erasmus.
(c) entertaining Blackthorne.
(d) preparing for an execution.

12. Why is Toranaga concerned about Martin Alvito?
(a) he is not sure he translates correctly.
(b) he thinks a long time before translating.
(c) he is too close to the Jesuits.
(d) he has shifty eyes.

13. After a few skirmishes, where does Blackthorne end up?
(a) with the shōgun.
(b) with Yabu.
(c) on board the Erasmus.
(d) facing the emperor.

14. Who sees Blackthorne as dangerous because of his information?
(a) the shōgun.
(b) Hiro-matsu.
(c) the church.
(d) Yuba.

15. Where is Blackthorne taken out of respect for his position?
(a) the general prison.
(b) the home of Mura, the headman of the village, Anjiro.
(c) the palace of the shōgun.
(d) the office of Father Sabastio.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Blackthorne suspect about the daimyo, Kasigi Yabu, Lord of Izu?

2. What does the first priest indicate when he arrives where Blackthorne is held prisoner?

3. What happens to Rodrigues during the storm?

4. What country does Blackthorne say he is not an enemy of?

5. How does Blackthorne manage to get the galley safely out of the way of the flaming arrows?

(see the answer keys)

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