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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. Okakura tells the story of the _________ Tea of Rikyu.

2. Ultimately, what intermingle as to be indistinguishable?

3. Why did Rikyu frequently have arguments with his patron lord?

4. The art of flower arrangement began with whom?

5. Who created the art of flower arrangement?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who was Rikyu? What problem existed between him and Hideyoshi?

2. How did the art of flower arrangement begin?

3. What is the connection between man and flowers?

4. Who is Pai Ya? What does he do with the instrument?

5. How does Okakura illustrate this attitude towards life?

6. Describe the inside of a tea room.

7. What do tea-masters think of life?

8. How did Rikyu's life come to an end?

9. How have tea-masters furthered art in Japan? What else have they influenced?

10. Describe early tea rooms and how they changed with the innovations of Rikyu.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

To truly appreciate art, one must discipline one's mind to properly receive and perceive art.

Part 1) How is this statement supported by this book? How can one discipline one's mind? How does the author suggest one discipline one's mind?

Part 2) Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Can one appreciate art without being "disciplined?" Explain.

Part 3) What art or art form do you appreciate the most? How have you been disciplined or conditioned to appreciate it?

Essay Topic 2

Taoism and tea are connected.

Part 1) What is Taoism? How is Taoism connected to tea? How have they each influenced the other? What else is connected to tea?

Part 2) How have tea rooms and tea ceremonies been influenced by various philosophies and religions? How is this influence seen even in Western tea culture?

Part 3) How is religion and philosophy tied to American culture? How important is religion to our country's past, present, and future?

Essay Topic 3

Okakura relates the Taoist tale of the Harp.

Part 1) Describe this tale. Why does Okakura relate this tale? How is it tied to Japanese culture? What does it reinforce?

Part 2) Describe a Western tale. What does it reveal about Western culture? How do the Eastern and Western tales compare?

Part 3) How do these tales illustrate the differences in Eastern and Western culture and thinking? How might they aid in building relations between the East and the West?

(see the answer keys)

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