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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. When Blackthorne wakes up and finds everyone swimming, what is Toranaga wanting to do?
(a) learn English.
(b) catch some fish.
(c) hurry on to land.
(d) learn how to dive.

2. What is the difference between the Erasmus and the galley headed to Osaka?
(a) the Erasmus is much larger than the galley.
(b) the Erasmus is built for the rough weather.
(c) the Erasmus has oars but the galley does not.
(d) the galley is more rugged than the Erasmus.

3. Who knows there have been secret deals between Ishido and two of the others who rule for Yaemon?
(a) Mariko
(b) Rodrigues
(c) Blackthorne
(d) Martin Alvito

4. How does Kiri divert attention from Toranaga as they make their escape?
(a) she does a dance for the soldiers to see.
(b) she sets fire to her kimono.
(c) she screams that she is going into labor.
(d) she shouts for care to be taken of Sazuko who has fallen.

5. Why is it dangerous for Toranaga, disguised as Kiri, to reach for the scroll Ishido brings?
(a) his voice will give him away.
(b) the palanquin might tip over.
(c) women must not take anything from a man.
(d) his hand will give him away.

Short Answer Questions

1. How is Rodrigues when the galley arrives safely in Osaka?

2. When Toda Hiro-matsu arrives, what is Yabu doing?

3. What is Blackthorne looking for when he manages to return to his ship?

4. After a few skirmishes, where does Blackthorne end up?

5. What is Rodrigues carrying for Father Sebastio?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Omi persuade Blackthorne to come out of the pit?

2. Why does Yabu personally scale the cliffs to rescue Rodrigues?

3. How is the Portuguese pilot, Rodrigues, introduced into the story?

4. How does John Blackthorne arrive in Japan?

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

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

7. Describe the change in Toranaga's orders related to Blackthorne after he is removed from prison.

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

9. How does Toranaga communicate with Blackthorne on their first meeting?

10. Where are Blackthorne and his crew held prisoners?

(see the answer keys)

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