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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 were the musicians singing at the rehearsal of the Special Festivals?
(a) The Song of the Phoenix.
(b) Hymns.
(c) Temple Path.
(d) Udo Beach.

2. A promotion to what rank changed a man who was previously a Subordinate Official so much that he seemed to have been reborn?
(a) Gentleman-in-waiting.
(b) Grounds keeper.
(c) Chamberlain.
(d) Palace guard.

3. Where did the wood for the batons for the new Chamberlains of the Sixth Rank come from?
(a) The Chamberlains cut it themselves.
(b) The south-east corner of the Empress's Office.
(c) An abandoned house.
(d) The woods surrounding the Palace.

4. What was the spirit of the Captain from the Inner Palace Guards said to be haunting?
(a) The Palace.
(b) A temple.
(c) A path leading to the garden.
(d) A bridge.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Things Without Merit" what item did Shonagon say was so vulgar that people wouldn't want her to mention it?

2. Who recited the perfect lines at the gathering following the service dedicated to the late Chancellor?

3. What did Shonagon say was the most splendid of all qualities, especially in men?

4. Which of the following did Shonagon include on her list of presumptuous things?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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 did the priest tell the women to keep talking all night after overhearing their conversation about where the wood for the Chamberlains' batons come from and talking about the names of clothing?

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

9. What did Shonagon hope to find out by seeing the Shigei Sha and what conclusion did she come to?

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

(see the answer keys)

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