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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. Who is Zataki?

2. What does Toranaga tell Hiro-matsu about his stated plan to go to Osaka?

3. What does Blackthorne say that he and Mariko are to Toranaga?

4. What is the new class of young ladies that Gyoko suggests?

5. What does Toranaga declare about Sudara?

Short Essay Questions

1. What instruction does Yodoko give Ochiba, the mother of Yaemon?

2. Describe Blackthorne's introduction to Kiku.

3. How does Omi further attempt to ingratiate himself with Lord Toranaga?

4. What unusual battle plan does Toranaga come up with to use against Ishido?

5. Why is Ochiba unsure of the parentage of Yaemon who is thought to be the son of Taikō?

6. Why is Buntaro so antagonistic toward Blackthorne?

7. What action on the part of Martin Alvito raises Blackthorne's suspicions?

8. What event breaks up the birthday party for Ochiba?

9. How does Toranaga respond to Ishido's demand that he come to Osaka?

10. How does Toranaga publicly honor Yabu?

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, The Challenge of the Sea. Use the near destruction of the Erasmus that brings the ship to harbor in Japan, the squall that sweeps Rodrigues overboard, the Japanese fear of sea travel, and moving the Erasmus to a safer cove as points in your essay.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Cultural Differences and Cuisine. Point one in your essay should be the revulsion the Japanese have toward Blackthorne's skinning and cooking of the rabbit. Discuss how Buddhism and custom play a part in that revulsion. Point two should center on Blackthorne's imaginary letter back home about the food in Japan. Point three should center on Blackthorne's adaptation to the Japanese cuisine, including eating raw fish.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 639 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample