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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) Kinto.
(d) The Shigei Sha.

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

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

4. What caused the lamp to tip when Masahiro was responsible for filling the lamps with oil?
(a) A cat knocked it over.
(b) His foot stuck to the cloth.
(c) He bumped it with the oil jar.
(d) He kicked it.

5. What did Shonagon say was pretty when it was mixed with pure white snow?
(a) Moonlight.
(b) Hail.
(c) Sunlight.
(d) Sleet.

6. Where was Shonagon going when she saw men harvesting rice in a field and found their skill impressive?
(a) The temple at Uzemasa.
(b) Hase Temple.
(c) Home.
(d) The Palace.

7. What did Masahiro hide behind a screen to eat?
(a) Beans.
(b) Seaweed.
(c) Rice.
(d) Fish.

8. What was in the parcel that Yukinari sent Shonagon in "One Day a Man from the Office of Grounds?"
(a) Flowers.
(b) Square cakes.
(c) A robe.
(d) Colored paper.

9. What is the meaning of the name of the plant that Shonagon asked the children the name of in "On the Sixth of the Month?"
(a) High head plant.
(b) Eyeless plant.
(c) Earless plant.
(d) Neckless plant.

10. What would make a player in a game of hidden rhymes look pleased with himself?
(a) Ending the game in a tie.
(b) His opponent's puzzlement.
(c) A dinner bell before his defeat.
(d) Finding the concealed character.

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

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

13. Where did the wood for the batons for the new Chamberlains of the Sixth Rank come from?
(a) The Chamberlains cut it themselves.
(b) The south-east corner of the Empress's Office.
(c) The woods surrounding the Palace.
(d) An abandoned house.

14. To whom did the Emperor pay his respects when he returned from his visit to Yawata?
(a) The Shigei Sha.
(b) Shonagon.
(c) The Empress.
(d) The Empress Dowager.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. For what occasion did the Empress have to leave the Palace while they were in mourning for the Chancellor?

3. Who wanted Shonagon to teach her the terminology that Shonagon and Tadanobu used to talk in secret?

4. What kind of flowers did the musicians wear in their head-dresses during the Festival at Kamo?

5. Who was the Empress' sister?

(see the answer keys)

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