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

2. What does Toranaga declare about Sudara?

3. After purging his advisers, what does Toranaga do?

4. What does Mariko tell Blackthorne about the money Fujiko will spend from her own fortune?

5. Who prevents Blackthorne from killing himself?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Omi further attempt to ingratiate himself with Lord Toranaga?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What instruction does Yodoko give Ochiba, the mother of Yaemon?

9. How does Toranaga publicly honor Yabu?

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

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, Toranaga: the Villain I Love to Hate. Make at least three points on the devious actions of Toranaga and his selfishness throughout the novel. Conclude with a mixture of feelings about Toranaga's success that makes the novel come out in his favor at the end.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, The Concept of Honor and Shame in Shōgun. Discuss your understanding of why the Japanese considered personal honor a matter of such great importance. Talk about the concept of seppuku as an honorable way to avoid public shame and humiliation. Discuss Mariko's suggestion that the old gardener considered it an honor to be beheaded for burying Blackthorne's pheasant.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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