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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 Princess Asagao turn Genji down?

2. What does Yugiri happen to hear while walking through the garden?

3. Why do Genji and To no Chujo decide to compete against each other?

4. Who is Kobai?

5. Which of the following is not a trait of the Safflower Princess?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the event that takes place between Genji and Naishi.

2. How does Genji rationalize the storm in Chapter 13?

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

4. Describe the situation after Nakanokimi receives a letter from Ukifune.

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

6. Describe Genji's view on women.

7. How does Oigimi hurt Kaoru?

8. Why does Kaoru pray to Buddha in Chapter 46? Explain.

9. Why does the Lieutenant change his mind about marrying Ukifune?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Genji is a shameless womanizer throughout the bulk of the novel. What do you believe his actions toward women suggests about his character? Support your answers with specific references to and examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Genji was very lucky with women as was Niou. Kaoru and Yugiri were not so lucky with women. Given these facts what is the novel suggesting what women want in a man? Do you believe Genji and Niou are much better men than Kaoru and Yugiri? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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