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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. When Toda Hiro-matsu arrives, what is Yabu doing?

2. How does Buntaro escape death?

3. What happens to Rodrigues during the storm?

4. Who comes to take Blackthorne from the pit?

5. What is Rodrigues carrying for Father Sebastio?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Toranaga communicate with Blackthorne on their first meeting?

4. What sets up the conflict between Blackthorne and Omi that lasts for the remainder of the novel?

5. After escaping the harbor, when Blackthorne awakes from his exhausted sleep, what does he find Toranaga doing?

6. How is the conflict between Toranaga and Ishido presented as Ishido is introduced into the novel?

7. Describe the change in Toranaga's orders related to Blackthorne after he is removed from prison.

8. Why does Yabu personally scale the cliffs to rescue Rodrigues?

9. What is the political function of Yodoko in the novel?

10. After they become more acquainted, what does Rodrigues allow Blackthorne to do?

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, Why I Loved (or Hated) SHÅŒGUN. This paper will be a critique of all the things you liked or did not like about Clavell's ability as a story teller, his use of language, his understanding of the Japanese culture, and his ability to keep interest up throughout the novel. Your conclusion will be either a recommendation of the novel or a pan of SHÅŒGUN.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Treachery. With Yabu as your subject, point out the ways in which Yabu attempts to realize his own ambitions for power. Mention his order to kill Yaemon if he is met on the battlefield, his delight at being honored by Toranaga, his attempt to take the riches and guns from the Erasmus, and finally, his treasonous behavior that results in Mariko's death.

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.

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