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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was the poem Captain Tadanobu was going to recite in "One Day Captain Tadanobu, the Imperial Adviser, Came to Call?"
(a) The Chancellor's death.
(b) A beautiful woman looking at the moon.
(c) The Fourth Month in this world of men.
(d) Cherry blossoms in the spring.

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

3. What kind of woman did Shonagon say she couldn't understand anyone loving?
(a) Selfish.
(b) Ugly.
(c) Shy.
(d) Stupid.

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

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

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

7. What did the women do as they ran to see the dancers' special performance at the Shrine that caused people to laugh at them?
(a) Tripped over their skirts.
(b) Giggled loudly.
(c) Called out their thanks to the dancers.
(d) Lifted their skirts over their heads.

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

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

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

11. 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) Zither.
(b) Flageolet.
(c) Flute.
(d) Drum.

12. A promotion to what rank changed a man who was previously a Subordinate Official so much that he seemed to have been reborn?
(a) Chamberlain.
(b) Palace guard.
(c) Gentleman-in-waiting.
(d) Grounds keeper.

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

14. What was pleasing about finding a torn up letter?
(a) Burning the paper.
(b) The pattern it made on the ground.
(c) When one could piece it back together.
(d) When one discovered it wasn't from oneself.

15. 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?
(a) The terminology of backgammon.
(b) Poetic terminology.
(c) The terminology of the Chinese zodiac.
(d) The terminology of go.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who did Shonagon say it was pleasant for a court lady on leave to visit?

2. What color were the Shigei Sha's under-robes when Shonagon first saw her at Toka Palace?

3. 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?

4. Who did Shonagon say was especially likely to be confronted with shameful things if he was a light sleeper?

5. Where did the Empress live after the Chancellor's death?

(see the answer keys)

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