The Seventeen-Article Constitution – pg. 225

1. Was this excerpt more a basis for government or a code of conduct?
2. Considering the material in the excerpt and in the text, show how the Constitution became a significant factor in Japanese governmental development.
3. Are there any possible Chinese influences in the Constitution?  If so, what? 

Japan’s Warrior Class – pg. 228

1.      Does this code appear more like that of a warrior or an idealized policement?
2.      Would it have been understandable to a member of the Kshatriya caste in India?
3.      How might an Islamic warrior have perceived it?
4.      What elements from China are found in the code?
5.     Was there anything comparable to the Japanese samurai in 

A Sample of Linked Verse – pg. 232 

1. Why do you suppose the Japanese developed this collaborative form of poetry?
2. What does this linked composition suggest about Japanese society at the time?
3. What are some of the natural images described in this excerpt?
4. Are there any similarities in subject matter with the Chinese poems in the previous chapter? 

A Plea to the Emperor – pg.  237 

1. What was the historical relationship between China and the Vietnamese?
2. Why did Le Hoan express such a negative attitude toward the people of Vietnam?
3. Do you believe his account to be accurate?  Why or why not?
4. What elements of Chinese culture are to be found in the excerpt?
5. How important was the tribute system to China?  To the tributary states?
6. What did each gain from the relationship?