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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Which of these did Shonagon say was distant but near?
(a) Relations between a man and a woman.
(b) Festivals celebrated near the palace.
(c) The course of a boat.
(d) Paradise.

3. Who did Shonagon say would not covet being a member of the Fifth Rank?
(a) Chamberlains of the Sixth Rank.
(b) Page boys.
(c) Chamberlains of the Fourth Rank.
(d) Priests.

4. 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.

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

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

7. Which of these did Shonagon say gains by being painted?
(a) Autumn fields.
(b) People praised in romances as being beautiful.
(c) Cherry blossoms.
(d) Yellow roses.

8. 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) Kinto.
(b) The Shigei Sha.
(c) The Empress.
(d) Tadanobu.

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

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

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

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

13. Who was the Empress' sister?
(a) Shonagon.
(b) The Shigei Sha.
(c) She did not have a sister.
(d) A nun.

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

15. What were the musicians singing at the rehearsal of the Special Festivals?
(a) Udo Beach.
(b) Hymns.
(c) Temple Path.
(d) The Song of the Phoenix.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did the High Priestess travel in during the Return Procession from Kamo?

2. What object did the men thrust under the blind in "On a Dark, Moonless Night in the Fifth Month?"

3. Who came to check on the Empress due to the heavy snow even though it was an abstinence day?

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

5. Who impressed Shonagon with his obeisance to the Chancellor?

(see the answer keys)

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