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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. Why does Toranaga deny the young widow the privilege of committing seppuku?

2. Who has instructions to answer every question except those related to politics?

3. What praise does Rodrigues give the Japanese sailors?

4. What has Toranaga learned about his situation?

5. Who knows the true story of the death of Obata Hiro and Toranaga's grandfather?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Buntaro prepare to commit seppuku at the end of a jetty?

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

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

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

6. How does John Blackthorne arrive in Japan?

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

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

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

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, The Irony of Omi and Yabu. Begin with Omi's wanting to kill his uncle at the very beginning of the novel. Detail how Omi carries out Yabu's orders even though he despises him. Next point should be that it is Omi who brings the samurai to Toranaga whose testimony brings Yabu down. Conclude with the irony of Yabu naming Omi as his heir and selecting him to be his second at his seppuku.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Earthquakes and Japanese Houses in Shōgun. Describe the destruction of Blackthorne's house in the earthquake as well as the houses of other people in the area. Mention the wooden construction with paper walls and why this type of construction makes sense in a place constantly threatened by earthquakes. Discuss the advantage wood construction has over mortar construction in an earthquake.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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