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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. Which instrument does Genji play?

2. Who is Tayu?

3. What does Murasaki compare Genji's behavior to since his visits to the Princess Asagao?

4. From whose point of view is Chapter 15 written?

5. What happens to Yugao in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. It is discovered that Yugiri has never laid eyes upon Murasaki, the woman who acts as his mother. Why does Genji wish to keep her hidden?

2. What did the fortune teller predict for Genji?

3. Who does Genji see when he visits the sage in the mountain? What is his reaction?

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

5. Who won the art contest held between Genji and To no Chujo? What did the court favor about the winner's style?

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

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

8. How was Ukifune's death described?

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

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

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

Through the novel, health, the economy, and the weather are believed to be the result of what? Give some examples and explain this belief.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 896 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample