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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who did Shonagon say it was pleasant for a court lady on leave to visit?
(a) A priest.
(b) Her childhood friends.
(c) Her parents.
(d) Another court lady on leave.

2. Who wanted Shonagon to teach her the terminology that Shonagon and Tadanobu used to talk in secret?
(a) Korechika.
(b) Norimitsu.
(c) Tozammi.
(d) Nobukata.

3. Which of these did Shonagon say loses by being painted?
(a) Cherry blossoms.
(b) Mountain villages.
(c) Pines.
(d) Cranes.

4. What time of day did the Shigei Sha arrive at the Palace to see the Empress?
(a) Early evening.
(b) Midday.
(c) Early in the morning.
(d) Late at night.

5. For what occasion did the Empress have to leave the Palace while they were in mourning for the Chancellor?
(a) The Iris Festival.
(b) Her brother's wedding.
(c) The Dedication of the Texts.
(d) The Great Purification.

6. What did Shonagon say the child who brought a letter to Tozammi's room looked like?
(a) A basket worm.
(b) A stick of bamboo.
(c) A hototogisu.
(d) A cherub.

7. When did Shonagon say people walking about laughing loudly are enviable?
(a) Late at night.
(b) When one is sad.
(c) When one is ill.
(d) During times of abstinence.

8. In "Things Without Merit" what item did Shonagon say was so vulgar that people wouldn't want her to mention it?
(a) Festival rehearsals.
(b) Blurred ink on fine paper.
(c) Rice starch mixed with water.
(d) Overcooked seaweed.

9. What temple did the Chancellor order the Dedication of the Full Canon to take place in?
(a) UrinTemple.
(b) Shakuzen Temple.
(c) Haze Temple.
(d) Chisoku Temple.

10. In "One Evening during the Reign of Emperor Murakami" what was causing smoke to come from the brazier?
(a) A rat.
(b) A frog.
(c) A burning notebook.
(d) A cedar branch.

11. When Shonagon went to a temple for a retreat and was kneeling to pray, what did a priest bring her?
(a) A hollyhock.
(b) A bough of anise.
(c) A branch of cherry blossoms.
(d) A bonsai.

12. What did Shonagon say a woman's house should look like when she lived alone?
(a) Organized.
(b) Dilapidated.
(c) Beautiful.
(d) Clean but simple.

13. What did the guests pour wine into at the rehearsal for the Special Festivals?
(a) A small wooden bowl.
(b) A basket.
(c) A tea cup.
(d) A Yaku shell.

14. What did Shonagon say was the most splendid of all qualities, especially in men?
(a) Intelligence.
(b) Charisma.
(c) Sympathy.
(d) Beauty.

15. Which of these did Shonagon say gave an clean feeling?
(a) Little sparrows.
(b) A rush mat.
(c) A soft breeze.
(d) The containers used for oil.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Enviable Things" what hour was it when Shonagon was still only half way to the top of the hill to get to the Upper Shrine?

2. Where did Shonagon like to sit after a thin fall of snow?

3. Which of these did Shonagon say gains by being painted?

4. Where did the wood for the batons for the new Chamberlains of the Sixth Rank come from?

5. What terminology did Shonagon and Tadanobu use to discuss men and women when they didn't want anyone else to know what they were talking about?

(see the answer keys)

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