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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 kind of wood was the round brazier the Empress sat before when Shonagon came to visit in her early days as a lady-in-waiting?
(a) Cherry.
(b) Oak.
(c) Cedar.
(d) Shen.

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

3. Which of the following did Shonagon include on her list of presumptuous things?
(a) Sneezing.
(b) Coughing.
(c) Foot shuffling.
(d) Burping.

4. What ruined the cherry blossoms used to decorate for the Dedication of the Full Canon?
(a) Common people.
(b) Rain.
(c) Birds.
(d) Insects.

5. Where did the Empress live after the Chancellor's death?
(a) The Smaller Palace of the Second Ward.
(b) The Imperial Palace.
(c) The Emperor's quarters.
(d) Seiryo Palace.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of these did Shonagon say loses by being painted?

2. In "When His Excellency, the Chancellor, Had Departed" who reminded Shonagon of the next line of a poem she had forgotten?

3. A promotion to what rank changed a man who was previously a Subordinate Official so much that he seemed to have been reborn?

4. 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?

5. What sounded different in the Time Office in "While We Were in Mourning for the Chancellor?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did the Empress keep the note Yukinari sent with the square cakes?

2. Why did Shonagon spend a long time at home after the Chancellor's death?

3. Why was Shonagon concerned about having to write the opening lines to a few lines of poetry she received when Kinto was present?

4. Why was Shonagon so impressed with Michinaga's obeisance to the Chancellor?

5. Why did Shonagon say festivals held near the palace were distant but near?

6. Why did Shonagon say that a woman who leaves home because she is angry with her husband has lost power?

7. When the ladies visited the guard house in "While We Were in Mourning for the Chancellor" why did the guards get angry with them?

8. Why was Shonagon moved to tears upon witnessing the Emperor paying his respects to the Empress Dowager?

9. Why was Nobukata offended when Shonagon teased him about liking to have a place to lie down and rest?

10. Why was Shonagon impressed when the Empress guessed that the cherry blossoms had been ruined by the rain?

(see the answer keys)

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