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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. Who is Genji's former nurse?

2. Why does Princess Asagao turn Genji down?

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

4. How does Genji try to seduce Princess Asagao?

5. What do To no Chujo and Genji do as the tension in their relationship disappears?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ukifune's mother refuse Kaoru's offer to marry her daughter?

2. How does Oigimi hurt Kaoru?

3. Why does Genji wish to keep secrets involving Yugao's death?

4. Why does Genji need to keep his romances under wraps after abdication of the first emperor, his father?

5. Explain the initial situation between Genji and Tamakazura.

6. Murasaki finally dies after four years of illness. What was her dying wish and how did Genji react to it?

7. Why has the Eighth Prince renounced the world?

8. Describe the predicament between Genji and Oborozukiyo.

9. What were the terms of Genji's birth?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characterization of Murasaki and Ukifune.

Essay Topic 2

After Genji's death, Kaoru becomes the main character of focus. How does Kaoru's character parallel Genji's character?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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