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

2. How does Toranaga leave the palace in Osaka?
(a) disguised as a woman.
(b) disguised as a priest.
(c) disguised as a gardener.
(d) disguised as a samurai.

3. What causes Toranaga to have trouble sleeping?
(a) his bed it too hard.
(b) he is thinking about many problems he faces.
(c) his wife snores.
(d) he fears assassination.

4. What question comes to mind when Blackthorne almost falls off the galley while Rodrigues is piloting?
(a) if the galley will make it to Osaka.
(b) if a sudden lurch was planned to get rid of Blackthorne.
(c) if Rodriguez really knows what he is doing.
(d) if Blackthrone could survive overboard.

5. What lie does Blackthorne continue to tell?
(a) that he is only a deckhand.
(b) that the Erasmus is a British ship.
(c) that his fleet is coming.
(d) that he comes from Argentina.

Short Answer Questions

1. What prevents the ship from moving once Toranaga and his party are on board?

2. How do Blackthorne and his men determine which of them will be executed?

3. How long has Hiro-matsu been serving Toranaga?

4. Who does Yokodo tell Toranaga he should marry?

5. How does the galley get safely into the harbor?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does John Blackthorne arrive in Japan?

2. What is the diversion that allows Toranaga, dressed as a woman, to change places with Kiri in the palanquin?

3. How is the conflict between Toranaga and Ishido presented as Ishido is introduced into the novel?

4. What does Blackthorne insist on as soon as he gets the galley into a safe harbor?

5. What sets up the conflict between Blackthorne and Omi that lasts for the remainder of the novel?

6. After they become more acquainted, what does Rodrigues allow Blackthorne to do?

7. During the galley trip to Osaka, what happens with the weather?

8. Why does Blackthorne not take Rodrigues up on the offer to copy his rutters?

9. What is the first indication of the brutality of the samurai in the novel?

10. Why does Blackthorne want to get on board the Erasmus?

(see the answer keys)

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