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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 a relief to Blackthorne when he is allowed to board the Erasmus?

2. Where is Blackthorne when Yabu arrives to see him?

3. What does Blackthorne suggest Toranaga intends to do with him and Mariko?

4. Where does Buntaro seek lodging when he comes with Toranaga?

5. What precaution is taken for the Erasmus against a possible surprise attack from the sea?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mariko announce that she will commit seppuku at sundown?

2. How has the Japanese influence rubbed off on Blackthorne when he visits his crew?

3. Why does Toranaga lose his temper when Buntaro requests permission to kill Blackthorne?

4. What is the problem between Toranaga and his half-brother Zataki?

5. How does Toranaga respond to Ishido's demand that he come to Osaka?

6. What does Blackthorne find when he is given permission to visit his crew from the Erasmus?

7. What is Blackthorne's surprise about the rebuilding of his house after the earthquake and fire?

8. What is the unusual request Buntaro makes of Blackthorne.

9. What are the circumstances that call off the attack against Mariko after the bomb goes off?

10. What unusual battle plan does Toranaga come up with to use against Ishido?

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, Comparison of Samurai Brutality and Inquisition Torture. Your essay should include examples of torture methods used by both. Next, make a case for the inappropriate moral judgment of samurai use of torture and cruelty by Westerners. Conclude with your opinion about torture and human rights in general.

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, 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.

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