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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Shonagon, what is it absurd for people to get angry about?
(a) Gossip.
(b) Being disliked.
(c) Theft.
(d) Infidelity.

2. What did Shonagon say the child who brought a letter to Tozammi's room looked like?
(a) A stick of bamboo.
(b) A basket worm.
(c) A hototogisu.
(d) A cherub.

3. What did the women do as they ran to see the dancers' special performance at the Shrine that caused people to laugh at them?
(a) Tripped over their skirts.
(b) Giggled loudly.
(c) Called out their thanks to the dancers.
(d) Lifted their skirts over their heads.

4. How many attendants helped the Shigei Sha with her ablutions?
(a) Two.
(b) Eight.
(c) Four.
(d) Six.

5. Where did the Empress live after the Chancellor's death?
(a) The Emperor's quarters.
(b) Seiryo Palace.
(c) The Imperial Palace.
(d) The Smaller Palace of the Second Ward.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of wood was the round brazier the Empress sat before when Shonagon came to visit in her early days as a lady-in-waiting?

2. Who said they had left the grass in the garden outside the palace to grow long so they could admire the dew?

3. Which of these was included in the list of things that had lost their power?

4. When Shonagon went to a temple for a retreat and was kneeling to pray, what did a priest bring her?

5. Who remarked to all the ladies gathered in the corridor to watch that it "must make [them] laugh to see the foolish old man?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Shonagon say a man who had been promoted from Subordinate Officer to Chamberlain seemed like he had been reborn?

2. Why did Shonagon think it was important to keep ones inkstone and writing utensil in good condition?

3. Why was Shonagon concerned about having to write the opening lines to a few lines of poetry she received when Kinto was present?

4. Why was Shonagon uncertain of how to reply to Yukinari's gift of square cakes?

5. Why did Tadanobu tell Nobukata about the secret code he and Shonagon spoke in?

6. Why did Shonagon prefer that the envoys in the Special Festival at Kamo keep their faces concealed with wisteria?

7. Why was Shonagon moved to tears upon witnessing the Emperor paying his respects to the Empress Dowager?

8. Why did Shonagon say that no one pays attention to a Palace Chaplain when he walks by?

9. Why was Shonagon so impressed with Michinaga's obeisance to the Chancellor?

10. What did Shonagon hope to find out by seeing the Shigei Sha and what conclusion did she come to?

(see the answer keys)

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