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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. Why is Blackthorne suddenly being treated well?

3. What causes Yabu to defy orders?

4. What sentence is pronounced on Blackthorne's men?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What prompts Blackthorne to attack Father Sabastio and desecrate his wooden cross?

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

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

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

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

8. Where are Blackthorne and his crew held prisoners?

9. How does John Blackthorne arrive in Japan?

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

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, Loyalty in SHÅŒGUN. Using Mariko as your example, show how the code of the samurai is complete loyalty to a Lord. When a mission fails or the samurai is prevented from doing his or her work, the honorable way out is seppuku. Conclude with the extent you think loyalty is important in your life today.

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, 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.

(see the answer keys)

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