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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "On the Last Day of the Second Month," who was present at court that made Shonagon worry about her response to the note she received at the Black Door?
(a) Tadanobu.
(b) The Empress.
(c) The Shigei Sha.
(d) Kinto.

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

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

4. In "In the First Month When I Go to a Temple" who did Shonagon say she liked to have with her when she visited a new place?
(a) Only servants.
(b) Companions of her own class.
(c) Her brother.
(d) A gentleman.

5. What position was the young man in "A Family Has Finally Arranged the Marriage" appointed to?
(a) Palace Guard.
(b) Chamberlain.
(c) Clerk.
(d) Priest.

6. Who said they had left the grass in the garden outside the palace to grow long so they could admire the dew?
(a) Lady Sakyo.
(b) The Empress.
(c) Shonagon.
(d) Lady Saisho.

7. Which of these was included in the list of things that had lost their power?
(a) An ancient Emperor.
(b) A retreating storm.
(c) A dead fish washed up on a beach.
(d) A large tree that was blown down.

8. What color were the Shigei Sha's under-robes when Shonagon first saw her at Toka Palace?
(a) Plum red.
(b) Shades of blue.
(c) Yellow.
(d) Light violet.

9. In "There Was a Man in the Corridor" what was the man's servant holding?
(a) Flowers.
(b) An umbrella.
(c) A branch of cherry blossoms.
(d) A brightly wrapped package.

10. What insect did Shonagon compare the flageolet to?
(a) Dragonfly.
(b) Cricket.
(c) Cicada.
(d) Water beetle.

11. What was the spirit of the Captain from the Inner Palace Guards said to be haunting?
(a) A path leading to the garden.
(b) A bridge.
(c) The Palace.
(d) A temple.

12. What did the High Priestess travel in during the Return Procession from Kamo?
(a) Palm leaf carriage.
(b) Palanquin.
(c) Oxen cart.
(d) Wicker-work carriage.

13. In "Wind Instruments" what instrument did Shonagon say was charming for a man to carry when he went out on horseback or on foot?
(a) Drum.
(b) Flageolet.
(c) Flute.
(d) Zither.

14. Who recited the perfect lines at the gathering following the service dedicated to the late Chancellor?
(a) The Emperor.
(b) Yukinari.
(c) Tadanobu.
(d) Shonagon.

15. Which of these was not on Shonagon's list of things that should be large.
(a) Old cats.
(b) Yellow rose petals.
(c) Priests.
(d) Men's eyes.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Shonagon say the child who brought a letter to Tozammi's room looked like?

2. What did Shonagon say was a painful surprise on the morning after a fierce wind?

3. Who remarked to all the ladies gathered in the corridor to watch that it "must make [them] laugh to see the foolish old man?"

4. Who was the woman that Nobukata broke off his relationship with due to the gossip of the ladies?

5. According to Shonagon, what is it absurd for people to get angry about?

(see the answer keys)

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