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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Hiro-matsu request permission to commit seppuku?

2. When Blackthorne's name is called, what does he think at first?

3. What does Blackthorne want to do?

4. Why is Toranaga concerned about Martin Alvito?

5. How is the Englishman killed?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is one of the crew brutally tortured to death?

2. What are Blackthorne's questions Toranaga tells Mariko not to answer?

3. How does Omi persuade Blackthorne to come out of the pit?

4. Where are Blackthorne and his crew held prisoners?

5. What is the diversion that allows Toranaga, dressed as a woman, to change places with Kiri in the palanquin?

6. During the galley trip to Osaka, what happens with the weather?

7. Why is the ship Toranaga is on unable to leave the harbor?

8. How is the Portuguese pilot, Rodrigues, introduced into the story?

9. What is the first indication of the brutality of the samurai in the novel?

10. Why does Blackthorne want to get on board the Erasmus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Toranaga: the Villain I Love to Hate. Make at least three points on the devious actions of Toranaga and his selfishness throughout the novel. Conclude with a mixture of feelings about Toranaga's success that makes the novel come out in his favor at the end.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, The Concept of Honor and Shame in Shōgun. Discuss your understanding of why the Japanese considered personal honor a matter of such great importance. Talk about the concept of seppuku as an honorable way to avoid public shame and humiliation. Discuss Mariko's suggestion that the old gardener considered it an honor to be beheaded for burying Blackthorne's pheasant.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Assimilating Another Culture. Using Blackthorne as your example, note the ways in which Blackthorne changes as he comes under the influence of Mariko. Discuss his changing attitudes toward cleanliness, food, and seppuku that help him eventually to become accepted by the Japanese.

(see the answer keys)

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