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

Short Answer Questions

1. Under what conditions could the Dutch and English trade with the Japanese after the death of Shogun Ieyasu?

2. To whom did the Shoguns send a copy of the letter that Commodore Perry brought?

3. What do the people wonder that the ships might mysteriously be pushing to shore?

4. What stunned the Japanese about the sailors?

5. Who was a mere puppet?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scene when the Susquehanna and Mississippi landed.

2. What were some negative aspects of the Tokugawa period?

3. What was special about the Englishman, Will Adams?

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

5. Who did the Americans awaken to see the next morning and what would they be considered today?

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

7. What did the native Japanese who served the Dutch have to do?

8. What was the composition of the American forces arriving in Japan?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Industrial Revolution is mentioned a number of times in the novel Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the level of technology present in Japan to the level present in the United States in the mid-1800s.

2. Research and discuss the technological inventions that amazed the Japanese people: These include the steam engine, telegraph, camera, telescope, rifles and folding ladder. When was each invented? How different was the invention then compared to a similar thing today? Are any of the "new" inventions from that time no longer in use now? Which ones? Why are they no longer in use?

3. The Shogunate deliberately kept Japan from becoming industrialized through keeping Japan isolated. Discuss why you think the Shogunate made this decision.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Getting the most out of this novel requires some familiarity with the Japanese culture. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How homogenized was the Japanese nation at time of Comodore Perry's visits to Japan? What are some of their common beliefs? How do the Japanese live in today's world? What is the predominant religion of Japan? Is there more than one major religion? Was the Japanese culture patriarchal at the time of Perry's visit? Is it now?

3. How does the Japanese culture inform the plot and actions of Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun? Give examples.

4. Compare and contrast the cultures of two Oriental countries either at the time of Perry's arrival or as they are in the current era.

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