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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 is Mariko trying to goad Ishido into admitting?

2. What does Toranaga say to Buntaro about Blackthorne's head.

3. What does Rodrigues know if there is a sea battle between his ship and Blackthorne's?

4. Where does Buntaro seek lodging when he comes with Toranaga?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does Toranaga publicly honor Yabu?

6. Why is Ochiba unsure of the parentage of Yaemon who is thought to be the son of Taikō?

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

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

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

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

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, 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.

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, Cultural Differences and Cuisine. Point one in your essay should be the revulsion the Japanese have toward Blackthorne's skinning and cooking of the rabbit. Discuss how Buddhism and custom play a part in that revulsion. Point two should center on Blackthorne's imaginary letter back home about the food in Japan. Point three should center on Blackthorne's adaptation to the Japanese cuisine, including eating raw fish.

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This section contains 712 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample