View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Blackthorne admit to Toranaga about the war between Spain and Holland?

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

3. What does Blackthorne suspect about Father Sabastio?

4. What is Toda's plan for the Erasmus?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where are Blackthorne and his crew held prisoners?

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

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

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

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

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

8. How is tension presented in Toranaga's character after meeting Ishido?

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

10. What is the political function of Yodoko in the novel?

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, Blackthorne: an Honest Man in a Dishonest World. First point out Blackthorne's good actions like insisting on finding Rodrigues after he was swept overboard and attempting to commit seppuku unless the peasants are released from the sentence of Yabu. Mention the struggle with his conscience when he does not tell the full truth to Friar Domingo. Then go to the way both Toranaga and Mariko deceive him in the novel. Conclude with an evaluation of his overall character as you see him.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Differences in Sexual Mores in Different Cultures. In your essay include the frank discussion of sex between Blackthorne, Kiku, and Mariko as opposed to conversational taboos in the West. Point two should discuss marital fidelity as when Mariko sleeps with Blackthorne though she is married to Buntaro. Conclude with comments about how the Japanese have fewer hangups over matters involving sex and nudity.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 709 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample