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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. After falling out of favor with the court where does Genji decide to go?

2. How long does the debate last regarding Genji and To no Chujo's competition?

3. Who is caring for Genji at the beginning of Chapter 5 during his travel to mountains?

4. Who is Kobai?

5. Which attendant stays faithful to the Safflower princess?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the appearance of the Safflower Princess.

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

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

5. Why has the Eighth Prince renounced the world?

6. How does Kaoru find that Niou is having a secret relationship with Ukifune?

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

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

9. Why does Genji treat the Third Princess coldly after she gives birth to a son?

10. Explain why Genji entertains the idea of moving to the Suma coast and also explain the factors that may be holding him back.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel Genji is depicted as a womanizer, but he also has a softer side. Locate the moments in the text where Genji's softer side can be seen and explain how it develops his character and your opinion of his character.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, several of the women Genji wishes to pursue wish to become nuns instead of entering into a relationship with Genji. Given this fact would you believe that Genji is as desirable as he appears? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

What do you believe is Genji's strongest characteristic? How is it exemplified throughout the story? Do you find that it helps or hinders him? How?

(see the answer keys)

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