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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 Toranga been ordered to do?

2. Why does Blackthorne threaten to commit suicide?

3. What does Toranaga demand of two of his advisers?

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

5. What confidence does Toranaga appear to have in Hiro-matsu?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Why is Buntaro so antagonistic toward Blackthorne?

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, 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, Treachery. With Yabu as your subject, point out the ways in which Yabu attempts to realize his own ambitions for power. Mention his order to kill Yaemon if he is met on the battlefield, his delight at being honored by Toranaga, his attempt to take the riches and guns from the Erasmus, and finally, his treasonous behavior that results in Mariko's death.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Imagine the Worst and Hope for the Best. Using Blackthorne as your example, make your points around Blackthorne's thinking he was going to be executed in prison only to find out that he has been jailed to protect him from Ishido; and his relief at finding the Erasmus in good condition. Translate that into an essay on how often times people expect the worst but find out things have a way of working out.

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