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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 believed to be the cause of the situation in Genji's homeland since he has left home in Chapter 13?

2. How does Genji try to seduce Princess Asagao?

3. Fujitsubo is ashamed of Genji's presence because:

4. Who does Genji admire during his stay in the mountains?

5. Which lady does Genji begin spending time with in Chapter 11?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has become of the Safflower Princess since Genji's exile? Explain.

2. Why is Tamakazura reduced to tears at the sight of Kaoru?

3. How does Genji feel after the death of Kashiwagi?

4. Who is Utsusemi and how does Genji first come into contact with her?

5. Why does Genji want Tamakazura to be seen in the light of fireflies? Explain.

6. What happens to Murasaki in Chapter 35?

7. What did the fortune teller predict for Genji?

8. How does Genji react when Fujitsubo rejects him for the final time?

9. Genji begins spending more time with the Akashi lady. How does Murasaki feel about this?

10. How does Oigimi hurt Kaoru?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do you believe is the prevailing theme in the novel? Why? How do you interpret this theme?

Essay Topic 2

What do you believe is the the importance of the role of women in the novel? Does the fact that the author is a woman influence the role of women in this book at all? Support your answer with evidence from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characterization of Murasaki and Ukifune.

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