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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 has Omi done in preparation for the arrival of Toranaga and Yabu?

2. What does Yabu give Blackthorne?

3. What does Toranaga want in the scrolls Mariko delivers to Kiri and Sazuko?

4. What surprises Mariko when she leaves with Yabu?

5. Who is Zataki?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Blackthorne's introduction to Kiku.

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

3. What proposal of Blackthorne's meets with opposition from Toranaga?

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

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

6. Why does Mariko travel to Osaka with scrolls for Kiri and Sazuko?

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

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

9. What event breaks up the birthday party for Ochiba?

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, 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 2

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 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.

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