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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. When Shonagon first went into waiting, what was the only time of day she wanted to go before the Empress?
(a) Afternoon.
(b) Night.
(c) Late morning.
(d) Early morning.

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

3. Which of these was included in the list of things that had lost their power?
(a) A retreating storm.
(b) A dead fish washed up on a beach.
(c) A large tree that was blown down.
(d) An ancient Emperor.

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

5. 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.

Short Answer Questions

1. For what occasion did the Empress have to leave the Palace while they were in mourning for the Chancellor?

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

3. What kind of woman did Shonagon say she couldn't understand anyone loving?

4. How many attendants helped the Shigei Sha with her ablutions?

5. What caused the lamp to tip when Masahiro was responsible for filling the lamps with oil?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did the Empress laugh when Tozammi brought her the letters about the people at the capital no longer wearing their mourning clothes?

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

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

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

5. Why did Shonagon prefer that the envoys in the Special Festival at Kamo keep their faces concealed with wisteria?

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

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

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

9. Why did the Empress think Shonagon was lying when she insisted she was fond of the Empress during her early days as a courtier?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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