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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. What does Genji discover about casual relationships with women?

2. Who is Genji's former nurse?

3. Genji is in love with a woman whom he cannot have during the beginning of the novel. Who is this woman?

4. Who does Genji send over to the grounds of the Safflower Princess in Chapter 15?

5. With whom does Genji sit on the royal outing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who won the art contest held between Genji and To no Chujo? What did the court favor about the winner's style?

2. Describe the meeting between Yugiri and Kumoinokari after their six-year separation.

3. How was Ukifune's death described?

4. Explain why Genji entertains the idea of moving to the Suma coast and also explain the factors that may be holding him back.

5. Why has the Eighth Prince renounced the world?

6. What causes General Higekuro to look toward Tamakazura as a wife?

7. Describe the appearance of the Safflower Princess.

8. What did the fortune teller predict for Genji?

9. What are Oigimi's reasons for not wanting to marry Kaoru?

10. Why doesn't Genji want his son, Yugiri to advance in rank? What does Genji do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Genji fathers many sons. Write about Yugiri, and infer as to how Yugiri may feel about his father's unrelenting antics, and seemingly selfish attitude as he has expressed at certain points within the text.

Essay Topic 2

Tamakazura is left in the care of Genji even after finding the To no Chujo is her true father. Tamakazura becomes increasingly confused. Use examples from the text to support Tamakazura's feelings of confusion toward Genji and To no Chujo.

Essay Topic 3

At one point in the novel Genji becomes ill with grief, then malaria. What could these sickness symbolize in Genji's character? Why might the author have chosen to use illness as symbolism?

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