View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Toranaga handle the situation with the large number of samurai on the beach when he arrives?

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

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

4. What response does Mura advise if the Holy Father asks about weapons?

5. Who is with Mariko when she dies?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Why is Buntaro so antagonistic toward Blackthorne?

9. How does Toranaga publicly honor Yabu?

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

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, Differences in Sexual Mores in Different Cultures. In your essay include the frank discussion of sex between Blackthorne, Kiku, and Mariko as opposed to conversational taboos in the West. Point two should discuss marital fidelity as when Mariko sleeps with Blackthorne though she is married to Buntaro. Conclude with comments about how the Japanese have fewer hangups over matters involving sex and nudity.

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 761 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample