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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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) Her brother.
(b) Companions of her own class.
(c) A gentleman.
(d) Only servants.

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

3. What kind of lodging did Shonagon stay in in "Shortly after the Twentieth of the Ninth Month?"
(a) Elaborate.
(b) Beautiful.
(c) Ugly.
(d) Simple.

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

5. What was stuck into the pile of snow that Emperor Murakami ordered?
(a) Paper flowers.
(b) Bamboo.
(c) Seaweed.
(d) A branch of plum blossom.

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

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

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

9. Who was the woman that Nobukata broke off his relationship with due to the gossip of the ladies?
(a) Tozammi.
(b) Sakyo.
(c) Shonagon.
(d) Lady Korechika.

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

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

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

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

14. Who did the Empress suggest Shonagon ask for advice about how to respond to the package from Yukinari?
(a) Tadanobu.
(b) Niramitsu.
(c) The Emperor.
(d) Korenaka.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of paper was Yukinari's letter to Shonagon written on in "One Evening Yukinari, the Controller First Secretary?"

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

3. Which of these did Shonagon say gave an clean feeling?

4. What did the women do as they ran to see the dancers' special performance at the Shrine that caused people to laugh at them?

5. What time of day did the Shigei Sha arrive at the Palace to see the Empress?

(see the answer keys)

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