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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 is Rodrigues found the morning after the storm?

2. How does Blackthorne divert attention from Toranaga in the palanquin?

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

4. What is the subject matter of the Prologue?

5. How does Buntaro escape death?

Short Essay Questions

1. How close does Blackthorne come to being executed in Yedo after visiting Toranaga?

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

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

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

5. Why is Rodrigues swept overboard on the galley?

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

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

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

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

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, Why I Loved (or Hated) SHÅŒGUN. This paper will be a critique of all the things you liked or did not like about Clavell's ability as a story teller, his use of language, his understanding of the Japanese culture, and his ability to keep interest up throughout the novel. Your conclusion will be either a recommendation of the novel or a pan of SHÅŒGUN.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Imagine the Worst and Hope for the Best. Using Blackthorne as your example, make your points around Blackthorne's thinking he was going to be executed in prison only to find out that he has been jailed to protect him from Ishido; and his relief at finding the Erasmus in good condition. Translate that into an essay on how often times people expect the worst but find out things have a way of working out.

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)

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