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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. To whom did the Emperor pay his respects when he returned from his visit to Yawata?
(a) Shonagon.
(b) The Shigei Sha.
(c) The Empress.
(d) The Empress Dowager.

2. 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?
(a) Oak.
(b) Cedar.
(c) Cherry.
(d) Shen.

3. What temple did the Chancellor order the Dedication of the Full Canon to take place in?
(a) Chisoku Temple.
(b) Shakuzen Temple.
(c) UrinTemple.
(d) Haze Temple.

4. Who remarked to all the ladies gathered in the corridor to watch that it "must make [them] laugh to see the foolish old man?"
(a) The Chancellor.
(b) Tadanobu.
(c) The Emperor.
(d) The Empress.

5. In "Enviable Things" what hour was it when Shonagon was still only half way to the top of the hill to get to the Upper Shrine?
(a) The Hour of the Rat.
(b) The Hour of the Snake.
(c) The Hour of the Horse.
(d) The Hour of the Dog.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Shonagon first went into waiting, what was the only time of day she wanted to go before the Empress?

2. For what occasion did the Empress have to leave the Palace while they were in mourning for the Chancellor?

3. What did Shonagon say was pretty when it was mixed with pure white snow?

4. Who came to check on the Empress due to the heavy snow even though it was an abstinence day?

5. Who did Shonagon say would not covet being a member of the Fifth Rank?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Shonagon happy to receive a note from a man that read "the rain that swells the water?"

2. Why was Shonagon impressed when the Empress guessed that the cherry blossoms had been ruined by the rain?

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

4. Why did the priest tell the women to keep talking all night after overhearing their conversation about where the wood for the Chamberlains' batons come from and talking about the names of clothing?

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

6. Why was Nobukata upset by Shonagon's response to his inquiry about how she felt about the poem "had not yet reached the term of thirty?"

7. Why did the Empress laugh when Tozammi brought her the letters about the people at the capital no longer wearing their mourning clothes?

8. Why did the Empress say that she could understand why Shonagon would be particularly impressed by Tadanobu's finding the perfect lines to say at a gathering following a service for the late Chancellor?

9. Why did the Empress keep the note Yukinari sent with the square cakes?

10. How did people respond to Masahiro being dressed more elegantly than most men and why did they respond that way?

(see the answer keys)

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