Emperor: Mixed Modal Verbs - Permission and Obligation

I. Read the social etiquette that is followed by someone who addresses a Japanese Emperor. In this case, Hirohito, the Post-World War II Japanese Emperor. Complete the sentences with the modal verbs provided. You may try to guess which obligations are firmer in order to choose the best modal verb.
CAN - MAY - MUST - HAVE TO

1. His Majesty's image _______________ only be recorded by a court-approved photographer from a distance.
2. You __________________not shake His Majesty' hand or touch him.
3. You ____________________ never look His Majesty directly in the eyes.
4. You _____________________ not step on his shadow.
5. When you sit down with His Majesty, you _______________________ sit on his left.
6. You _________________ never call His Majesty by his name.

II. Watch the segment and check your answers.

III. The Emperor talked with two different American generals. Which of the rules didn't they conform to? What were the consequences of such procedures?

GENERAL FELLERS - GENERAL MacARTHUR
WORKSHEET
MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - EMPEROR

ANSWER KEY
I. 1. His Majesty's image can only be recorded by a court-approved photographer from a distance. 2. You may not shake His Majesty' hand or touch him. 3. You must never look His Majesty directly in the eyes. 4. You may not step on his shadow. 5. When you sit down with His Majesty, you have to sit on his left. 6. You must never call His Majesty by his name.

II. General Bonner Fellers -
He conformed to all the rules.

General MacArthur -
He took a picture from a short distance He looked His Majesty directly in his eyes. He shook hands with the Emperor.

III. The consequences were not negative. In fact, General MacArthur's informality won His Majesty's over and the conversation was profitable for both of them.