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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 happens to Rodrigues during the storm?

2. How is it planned to get Toranaga to his own territory and palace?

3. What is Rodrigues carrying for Father Sebastio?

4. What does Rodrigues consider doing with Blackthorne?

5. What is the position of Toda Hiro-matsu?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does Rodrigues tell Blackthorne about the Japanese rowers on board the galley?

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

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

8. What does Blackthorne tell Toranaga at their first meeting that puzzled him?

9. What are Blackthorne's questions Toranaga tells Mariko not to answer?

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

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, 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.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, The Concept of Honor and Shame in Shōgun. Discuss your understanding of why the Japanese considered personal honor a matter of such great importance. Talk about the concept of seppuku as an honorable way to avoid public shame and humiliation. Discuss Mariko's suggestion that the old gardener considered it an honor to be beheaded for burying Blackthorne's pheasant.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Treachery. With Yabu as your subject, point out the ways in which Yabu attempts to realize his own ambitions for power. Mention his order to kill Yaemon if he is met on the battlefield, his delight at being honored by Toranaga, his attempt to take the riches and guns from the Erasmus, and finally, his treasonous behavior that results in Mariko's death.

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This section contains 633 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample