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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 did Ricci NOT like about the Confucian moral system when he was a missionary in the 16th century?

2. What was the state of Ricci's financial situation during most of his time in China?

3. Before Ricci was a missionary in 16th century China, who was thought to have engaged in sexual misconduct while in China?

4. Why did Ricci wish he had more money during the 16th century when he was in China?

5. During the Renaissance, why were the Jesuits NOT considered a mendicant order?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to "Chapter Seven, The Third Picture: The Men of Sodom", what is the image in the third picture?

2. Where in the Memory Palace did Ricci place this last image?

3. What was Ricci's attitude toward Buddhism?

4. What did the second picture depict?

5. How was Ricci able to learn the Chinese language?

6. According to the author's speculation, why did Ricci seem so drawn to Mary, the mother of Jesus?

7. What was ironic about the death of Pope Paul IV in 1559?

8. What did Ricci admire and appreciate in China?

9. How did the Chinese receive the ideas of Western science?

10. How did Ricci use this third picture in his work with the Chinese?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The last chapter of the book relies on imagery to convey Ricci's last look at the Memory Palace. Discuss the way the author appeals to the five senses and the way the imagery develops the summation of Ricci's life.

Essay Topic 2

The use of mnemonic devices has a long history, including the Greeks using mnemonics to memorize poetry. Trace the history of mnemonic devices throughout history, including modern use today. What are its advantages and disadvantages? Who uses these techniques today? What does scientific research prove about its value?

Essay Topic 3

Matteo Ricci had a special devotion to the Virgin Mary. Explain how this focus began and trace the influence of the Virgin Mary throughout Ricci's life.

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