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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 Blackthorne's duty after Toranaga leaves?

2. As Yabu and Toranaga head for the village, what are Omi and Mura discussing?

3. How does Toranaga attempt to make peace between Buntaro and Mariko?

4. What is the new class of young ladies that Gyoko suggests?

5. What are the living conditions of Blackthorne's crew?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why do Blackthorne, his crew, and some samurai move the Erasmus?

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

4. How does Toranaga attempt to make peace between Buntaro and Mariko?

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

6. What action on the part of Martin Alvito raises Blackthorne's suspicions?

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

8. what is the chief concern among Toranaga's people pending his arrival at his castle?

9. What is the request Blackthorne makes of Toranaga regarding Mariko?

10. How does Toranaga publicly honor Yabu?

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, Feudalism in Shōgun. Your points should include the use of peasants as slave labor, the exorbitant taxes placed on them, and the fear the ruling class has at the idea of peasants having access to guns.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Ruthlessness and Political Ambition. In your essay, point out instances where Toranaga has little concern about using people to gain his own ends. Mention instances of out right lies Toranaga tells to get his way. Finally, discuss the real ambition behind everything Toranaga does throughout the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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