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

2. In "One Evening during the Reign of Emperor Murakami" what was causing smoke to come from the brazier?
(a) A frog.
(b) A cedar branch.
(c) A burning notebook.
(d) A rat.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Enviable Things" what hour was it when Shonagon was still only half way to the top of the hill to get to the Upper Shrine?

2. What color were the Shigei Sha's under-robes when Shonagon first saw her at Toka Palace?

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

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

5. Which of these did Shonagon say was distant but near?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why did the Empress say that she could understand why Shonagon would be particularly impressed by Tadanobu's finding the perfect lines to say at a gathering following a service for the late Chancellor?

4. Why did Shonagon want to change places with the woman she met on her way up the hill to the Upper Shrine?

5. Why was Shonagon happy to receive a note from a man that read "the rain that swells the water?"

6. Why did Shonagon think it was important to keep ones inkstone and writing utensil in good condition?

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

8. Why did Tadanobu tell Nobukata about the secret code he and Shonagon spoke in?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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