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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 does Toranaga demand of two of his advisers?

2. What is in the coded message to Blackthorne from Yabu?

3. What natural disaster helps Blackthorne understand the Japanese culture better?

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

3. Why is Buntaro so antagonistic toward Blackthorne?

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

5. Describe Blackthorne's introduction to Kiku.

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

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

8. How does Toranaga publicly honor Yabu?

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

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, The Irony of Omi and Yabu. Begin with Omi's wanting to kill his uncle at the very beginning of the novel. Detail how Omi carries out Yabu's orders even though he despises him. Next point should be that it is Omi who brings the samurai to Toranaga whose testimony brings Yabu down. Conclude with the irony of Yabu naming Omi as his heir and selecting him to be his second at his seppuku.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Ruthlessness and Political Ambition. In your essay, point out instances where Toranaga has little concern about using people to gain his own ends. Mention instances of out right lies Toranaga tells to get his way. Finally, discuss the real ambition behind everything Toranaga does throughout the novel.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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