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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 Omi done in preparation for the arrival of Toranaga and Yabu?

2. What are the living conditions of Blackthorne's crew?

3. What concerns Blackthorne after the earthquake?

4. What kills the messenger Blackthorne is talking to on board the Erasmus?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the unusual request Buntaro makes of Blackthorne.

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

5. Why is Buntaro so antagonistic toward Blackthorne?

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

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

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

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

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

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, Feudalism in Shōgun. Your points should include the use of peasants as slave labor, the exorbitant taxes placed on them, and the fear the ruling class has at the idea of peasants having access to guns.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, The Challenge of the Sea. Use the near destruction of the Erasmus that brings the ship to harbor in Japan, the squall that sweeps Rodrigues overboard, the Japanese fear of sea travel, and moving the Erasmus to a safer cove as points in your essay.

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