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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. Why does Blackthorne threaten to commit suicide?

2. What has Toranga been ordered to do?

3. What interrupts the party?

4. What did Toranaga lose during the earthquake?

5. What precaution is taken for the Erasmus against a possible surprise attack from the sea?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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 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, 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.

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This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample