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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. How many can a tea room accommodate?

2. What is the purpose of the garden path?

3. Eastern so-called _____________________ perceive that they deal in death, and so treat flowers carefully and with honor.

4. The art of flower arrangement began with whom?

5. On what does modern art appreciation depend?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do humans deserve flowers, according to the author? Explain.

2. How is the tea room different from other forms of architecture?

3. How do the Japanese show that art is important to them?

4. How can one truly appreciate art?

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

6. How was the Cult of Flowers developed? What is this cult?

7. Why does Okakura use this tale?

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

9. How did tea-masters think of art?

10. Describe the attitude of "Flower Masters" towards flowers.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Japanese under Emperor Meiji in the second half of the 19th century were pursuing efforts to modernize.

Part 1) Describe these efforts. Why was modernization important? How did this modernization affect Japanese culture?

Part 2) How does the author feel about modernization in Japan? Why does he feel this way? What does he do regarding modernization? How does this book support his beliefs regarding modernization?

Part 3) How has modernization affected various cultures? Is modernization good? Why or why not? How has modernization affected the U.S.? How has it affected your own community and life? Do you see this as a positive thing? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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