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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What tree's blossoms did Shonagon consider prosaic and vulgar, but later changed her mind about?
(a) Peach tree.
(b) Cherry tree.
(c) Pear tree.
(d) Orange tree.

2. What did one of the women ask the old nun to do, which the Empress found degrading?
(a) Bow.
(b) Cook a meal.
(c) Sing and dance.
(d) Clean their clothing.

3. Who came out of the house to inquire whether or not "Lord So-and-so's" attendants had arrived yet in the section titled "Once When I Was Passing?"
(a) A young boy.
(b) A cook.
(c) A pretty kitchen-maid.
(d) The Empress.

4. What did the bedraggled and injured dog do that convinced Shonagon he was Okinamaro?
(a) Shed a flood of tears.
(b) Bark at the cat.
(c) Place his head in Shonagon's lap.
(d) Wag his tail at the mention of his name.

5. What was the right season to meet one's lover?
(a) Summer.
(b) Fall.
(c) Winter.
(d) Spring.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Yukinari say he could not stand in a woman?

2. What instrument did His Majesty play?

3. In "A Lover's Visit," what did Shonagon find irritating about servants who arrived with the lover?

4. What kind of plant did Shonagon find pretty when it floated on the water of a pond?

5. What gate at the house of the Senior Steward was too small for the carriage Shonagon and the other ladies rode in?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Shonagon describe the life of a priest?

2. Why did Shonagon send her brother a piece of seaweed in reply to his letter?

3. Why were Shonagon and the other women disgusted by the response of some of the servants who were carrying attractively wrapped bundles and bags when the women asked them who the packages belonged to?

4. Why did Shonagon change her opinion of the blossom of the pear tree?

5. Why did the Emperor walk toward the Empress' building while playing his flute?

6. Why did dried hollyhock produce fond memories?

7. Why did Shonagon think that moonlight shining on snow on the roof of common people's houses was unsuitable?

8. Why did Shonagon find it annoying when a man who was not more than an acquaintance came for a casual chat?

9. What made Shonagon come into the Empress's apartments after she left because the screens with the paintings of Hell frightened her?

10. In "It Is Hateful When a Well-Bred Young Man," why did Shonagan think it was proper for a gentleman to bring along a man when he went to visit a lady-in-waiting?

(see the answer keys)

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