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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "A Lover's Visit," what did Shonagon find irritating about servants who arrived with the lover?
(a) They were poorly dressed.
(b) They left.
(c) They complained about waiting.
(d) They were too quiet.

2. Who did Shonagon say was splendid in spite of their low station?
(a) A Governor.
(b) A Chamberlain of the Sixth Rank.
(c) A Lieutenant of the Guard.
(d) A Middle Counselor.

3. In the section titled "Once When I Was Passing," what color were the inside blinds on the palm-leaf carriage Shonagon described?
(a) Blue.
(b) Green.
(c) Purple.
(d) Orange.

4. Who brought a Chamberlain who belonged to the Imperial Guard a cup of wine when he brought a message to an Imperial consort?
(a) The princess.
(b) The master of the house.
(c) The mother of the Imperial consort.
(d) A kitchen maid.

5. In what month did the peach trees come into bloom?
(a) The Third Month.
(b) The Second Month.
(c) The Fourth Month.
(d) The Sixth Month.

6. Where did the Empress' residence lie in relationship to Seiryo Palace?
(a) South.
(b) West.
(c) East.
(d) North.

7. What was painted on the sliding screen in the back of the hall at Seiryo Palace?
(a) Dragons.
(b) Plum blossoms.
(c) Cherry trees.
(d) Stormy sea.

8. What did Shonagon think small children and babies should look like?
(a) Puppies.
(b) Tall.
(c) Willow trees.
(d) Plump.

9. What kind of bird was said to make its nest in the paulownia tree?
(a) Phoenix.
(b) Eagle.
(c) Hawk.
(d) Egret.

10. What was rare in a servant according to the section titled "Rare Things?"
(a) One who was well-dressed.
(b) One who was pleasant to his master.
(c) One who was intelligent.
(d) One who was cruel.

11. What kind of carriage was supposed to move slowly according to Shonagon?
(a) Wickerwork.
(b) Horse drawn.
(c) Palm-leaf.
(d) Wooden.

12. What did the bedraggled and injured dog do that convinced Shonagon he was Okinamaro?
(a) Bark at the cat.
(b) Shed a flood of tears.
(c) Wag his tail at the mention of his name.
(d) Place his head in Shonagon's lap.

13. What color of under-robe was depressing in the Eighth Month?
(a) Blue.
(b) Black.
(c) Red.
(d) White.

14. What did the pictures hung for the Perpetual Readings depict?
(a) Bodai Temple.
(b) The Buddha.
(c) Cherry blossoms.
(d) Birds.

15. What was the residence of the Major Captain of the Smaller Palace of the First Ward called?
(a) Otoko Yama.
(b) Seiryo Palace.
(c) High Court.
(d) Smaller Shirakawa.

Short Answer Questions

1. During what festival did people decorate with irises?

2. What was wrong with the appearance of the escorts that Shonagon saw while visiting the palace to see the horses on the first day of the First Month?

3. What shade of plum blossom brought Shonagon the most pleasure?

4. Which worm was said to have been begotten by a demon?

5. What color was the lute Shonagon saw the Empress holding in the section called "A Group of Senior Courtiers?"

(see the answer keys)

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