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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. How does Kiri divert attention from Toranaga as they make their escape?

2. Why is Blackthorne suddenly being treated well?

3. What is the subject matter of the Prologue?

4. What causes Yabu to defy orders?

5. Who comes to take Blackthorne from the pit?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Where are Blackthorne and his crew held prisoners?

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

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

6. How is the conflict between Toranaga and Ishido presented as Ishido is introduced into the novel?

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

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

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

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 Challenge of the Sea. Use the near destruction of the Erasmus that brings the ship to harbor in Japan, the squall that sweeps Rodrigues overboard, the Japanese fear of sea travel, and moving the Erasmus to a safer cove as points in your essay.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Why People Go to Sea. Points in your essay should center around various reasons people have historically gone to sea. Use examples from SHÅŒGUN and other literature such as MOBY DICK or THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA to define motives for going to sea. Conclude with your opinion about whether you would consider going to sea as a sailor rather than a passenger.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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