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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. Why does Toranaga worry about Blackthorne?

2. How is Rodrigues when the galley arrives safely in Osaka?

3. Why is Blackthorne suddenly being treated well?

4. How does Blackthorne realize he is not going to be executed?

5. Why does Blackthorne bow to Yabu?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How is the conflict between Toranaga and Ishido presented as Ishido is introduced into 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, Assimilating Another Culture. Using Blackthorne as your example, note the ways in which Blackthorne changes as he comes under the influence of Mariko. Discuss his changing attitudes toward cleanliness, food, and seppuku that help him eventually to become accepted by the Japanese.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Cultural Differences and Cuisine. Point one in your essay should be the revulsion the Japanese have toward Blackthorne's skinning and cooking of the rabbit. Discuss how Buddhism and custom play a part in that revulsion. Point two should center on Blackthorne's imaginary letter back home about the food in Japan. Point three should center on Blackthorne's adaptation to the Japanese cuisine, including eating raw fish.

(see the answer keys)

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