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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When a traveler arrives at Phyllis, what does he decide to do?
(a) Stay there for the rest of his life.
(b) Sleep by day and explore by night.
(c) Relax in the public baths.
(d) Dance, sing, and eat.

2. In Chapter 5, as Khan sits in his palace visualizing the growth of his empire, what does he see?
(a) More innovations coming from his empire's brightest minds.
(b) Overpopulation leading to famine and disease.
(c) Warriors from the west coming to fight for his empire.
(d) Conquered territories spreading further into other regions.

3. What does Khan dream his lands are filled with?
(a) Innovative architecture.
(b) Gold, silver, and bronze.
(c) The brightest, most beautiful people.
(d) Promise and rich growth.

4. The strings of Ersilia come in different colors. What do these colors represent?
(a) Time.
(b) Dreams.
(c) Relationships.
(d) Victories.

5. How does Polo describe Moriana?
(a) A refuge for the gentle and brokenhearted.
(b) A peaceful place with soft cushions and comfortable beds.
(c) A beautiful city of coral and villas like glass aquariums.
(d) A confounding city filled with smoke and mirrors.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Khan tells Polo that he's dreamed of a city bathed in the light of the moon, what does Polo say?

2. What does Polo describe Eusapia as?

3. What happens to the city of Irene as one approaches it?

4. In Chapter 6, Polo claims that he's reached the point where, in the number of people he has known:

5. What types of objects are found in Clarice's museums?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Polo say to Khan when the emperor points out that he never speaks of Venice?

2. In Chapter 5, how does Polo illustrate to Khan the connections that hold cities together?

3. What eventually happens to travelers who decide to stay in Phyllis to discover all of its secrets?

4. Describe the two sides of the city of Moriana.

5. How does Clarice preserve and display its history?

6. Describe the significance of the strings in the city of Ersilia.

7. How do the cities described by Polo in Chapter 8 depict confusion?

8. What are the theories regarding why the inhabitants of Baucis live up in the clouds and rarely climb down to the ground?

9. Describe the two species that protect Leandra.

10. Why is it that someone arriving at Thekla will see very little of the city?

(see the answer keys)

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