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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 went to a temple for a retreat and was kneeling to pray, what did a priest bring her?
(a) A bonsai.
(b) A hollyhock.
(c) A bough of anise.
(d) A branch of cherry blossoms.

2. What position was the young man in "A Family Has Finally Arranged the Marriage" appointed to?
(a) Priest.
(b) Palace Guard.
(c) Chamberlain.
(d) Clerk.

3. Where was Shonagon going when she saw men harvesting rice in a field and found their skill impressive?
(a) Home.
(b) The temple at Uzemasa.
(c) The Palace.
(d) Hase Temple.

4. What color were the Shigei Sha's under-robes when Shonagon first saw her at Toka Palace?
(a) Light violet.
(b) Plum red.
(c) Shades of blue.
(d) Yellow.

5. What kind of woman did Shonagon say she couldn't understand anyone loving?
(a) Ugly.
(b) Selfish.
(c) Shy.
(d) Stupid.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of these did Shonagon say gave an clean feeling?

2. In "In the First Month When I Go to a Temple" who did Shonagon say she liked to have with her when she visited a new place?

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

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

5. In "Wind Instruments" what instrument did Shonagon say was charming for a man to carry when he went out on horseback or on foot?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

5. Why did the Chancellor tell the Empress that he must have good karma on the day after the Dedication of the Full Canon?

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

7. Why was Nobukata upset by Shonagon's response to his inquiry about how she felt about the poem "had not yet reached the term of thirty?"

8. Why did Shonagon say that no one pays attention to a Palace Chaplain when he walks by?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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