View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What group has held power for the last seven hundred years?

2. In what year does the book open?

3. Who is Manjiro?

4. On what island did the Dutch reside?

5. What did Perry insist upon when the Japanese repeated their request that the Americans go to Nagasaki?

Short Essay Questions

1. What percentage of Japanese were farmers and what was their life like?

2. Discuss the lead Shogun at the time of Commodore Perry's arrival.

3. What happened on Friday, July 8th, 1853, at the opening of the book?

4. Describe the time before this setting when the Japanese were not cut off from the rest of the world.

5. Describe the role of the Emperor of Japan at that time.

6. Describe the two opposing camps to the idea of a treaty with the Americans.

7. What was one consequence of the Japanese's isolation for the Americans?

8. Who were the daimyos?

9. What were some of Commodore Perry's accomplishments in addition to convincing the Japanese to receive him?

10. Where did messengers ride when the ships were spotted, and what was the consequence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Despite being seen as a child of the sun goddess, Amaterasu, the Emperor only presided over religious ceremonies, and was otherwise a mere puppet. Discuss the following:

1. Who held the real power in Japan? Why? How did he/they hold on to their power?

2. How did those who held the reins of power gain that power?

3. Do you think the Emperor preferred to be a mere figurehead? Or do you think most Emperors of those times in Japan would prefer to have a voice in the decisions of the country in which he supposedly governs?

4. Research the reign of Emperor Meiji and compare/contrast his reign to that of the Emperor Komei, who held the position of Emperor when Commodore first arrived in Japan.

Essay Topic 2

Commodore is in some ways a larger-than-life hero, especially considering he is an historical personage. Despite incredible odds, he accomplishes his goals. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Would you have considered Commodore Perry a hero had he not obtained a treaty with the Japanese? Would he even be mentioned except in passing in history books? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Perry who you might call a hero and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Most protagonists are a mixture of admirable traits and character flaws, and Commodore Perry is no exception.

1. Trace and analyze situations when Commodore Perry demonstrates his admirable traits. Give specific examples to illustrate your analysis.

2. Trace and analyze Commodore Perry's character flaws, and explain how the flaws help or hinder his obtaining his objectives.

3. After analyzing Commodore Perry's strengths and weaknesses, decide if he is an appropriate "hero" of the story. Is there anyone else who might be a more admirable "hero"?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,113 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample