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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. How much did the boat driver want to take the group on a tour of the body of water in which they are swimming?

2. What do the travelers do in the Arab mosque that not even the Arabs do?

3. What does Twain hail as the only way to travel?

4. What does Twain call Palestine?

5. What is Endor's only fame?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 60, Twain relates a humorous tale of an experience he had on the ship. What is the tale about, and how does it proceed?

2. Though most of the towns and villages on their pathway through the Holy Land are a disappointment to Twain, the city of Shechem is a pleasant surprise. Describe what makes Shechem so unique.

3. What is it about Odessa that pleasantly surprises Twain and the other passengers?

4. As the caravan gets closer to Baalbek, Twain begins to tell relevant stories from the Bible. What stories does Twain relate, and how does he feel about the Syrians at this point in the story?

5. Despite many precautions, what disease does Twain contract, and what are his theories on how he contracted it?

6. Twain's caravan stops at a fountain for a rest period on its way to Damascus. What observation does Twain make at this fountain, and how does it make him feel?

7. The men come upon young Jack on the verge of destroying an innocent turtle. What is Jack's issue with the turtle, and what does that tell you about Jack's personality?

8. On the one-year anniversary of the excursion, Twain returns to say an encore farewell. What does he say about the trip, and what advice does he give future excursionists?

9. Describe the chaos in Constantinople as seen by Twain.

10. Describe the scene of the journey to Mary Magdalene's former home in the tiny, extremely impoverished village of Magdala. How do you think the group feels once it has seen Mary's home and is on its way out?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pompeii obviously disturbs Twain. What about it seems to disturb him most? Do you think he has a point when he wonders whether the history of the United States would be accurately recorded if it suffered just such a catastrophic event? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Based upon the advertisement at the beginning of the story, what do you think the passengers' expectations were? Do you think they were met? If not, what do you think specifically disappointed them and why? Do you think this was a case of false advertising? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

In Smyrna, the group is confronted with a high hill awash with oyster shells and broken pottery. This appears to be an incredible source of consternation for Twain. Why do you think he obsesses so heavily over the origin of these objects so out of context? Do you think he, himself, feels so out of place that he must find a reason for the shells and pottery to justify his reason for being there? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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