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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. In the section titled "In the Fifth Month" what kind of branch gave a fragrant scent when stuck in the carriage wheel?
(a) Sagebrush.
(b) Cedar.
(c) Cherry blossom.
(d) Plum blossom.

2. What sounded different in the Time Office in "While We Were in Mourning for the Chancellor?"
(a) Men's voices.
(b) The gong.
(c) Laughter.
(d) Singing.

3. Who did the Empress suggest Shonagon ask for advice about how to respond to the package from Yukinari?
(a) Niramitsu.
(b) The Emperor.
(c) Tadanobu.
(d) Korenaka.

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

5. Where did Shonagon like to sit after a thin fall of snow?
(a) Beside a pond in the garden.
(b) Around a brazier on the veranda.
(c) In the Empress's bedchamber.
(d) Under a warm pile of blankets.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "There Was a Man in the Corridor" what was the man's servant holding?

2. Who remarked to all the ladies gathered in the corridor to watch that it "must make [them] laugh to see the foolish old man?"

3. In "One Evening during the Reign of Emperor Murakami" what was causing smoke to come from the brazier?

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

5. What kind of pond did Shonagon like best?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

3. Why did Shonagon say a man who had been promoted from Subordinate Officer to Chamberlain seemed like he had been reborn?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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