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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. What is the difference between the Erasmus and the galley headed to Osaka?

2. What has Toranaga learned about his situation?

3. What causes Yabu to defy orders?

4. What order does Toda Hiro-matsu issue?

5. What offer does Rodrigues make to Blackthorne?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Rodrigues swept overboard on the galley?

2. What is the first indication of Yabu's ambition as Hiro-matsu arrives to see the Erasmus?

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

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

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

6. When the samurai who fails to carry through on his actions is ordered to be executed, who is given the job?

7. How is one of the crew brutally tortured to death?

8. Why is the ship Toranaga is on unable to leave the harbor?

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

10. After escaping the harbor, when Blackthorne awakes from his exhausted sleep, what does he find Toranaga doing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Ruthlessness and Political Ambition. In your essay, point out instances where Toranaga has little concern about using people to gain his own ends. Mention instances of out right lies Toranaga tells to get his way. Finally, discuss the real ambition behind everything Toranaga does throughout the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Why I Loved (or Hated) SHÅŒGUN. This paper will be a critique of all the things you liked or did not like about Clavell's ability as a story teller, his use of language, his understanding of the Japanese culture, and his ability to keep interest up throughout the novel. Your conclusion will be either a recommendation of the novel or a pan of SHÅŒGUN.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, The Absurdity of Religious Wars. Use Toranaga as an example when he can scarcely believe that wars in Europe have centered around religious differences. Discuss the oxymoron of a "holy war." Give examples from history to the present day when war has been declared over religion.

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