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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 Russian novel was Theroux reading in Chapter 21?

2. What did the security officer note Theroux did not have when he claimed to be a tourist?

3. What Japanese city did Theroux decide he would never bother visiting again?

4. Why did the young man leaving Bangalore to go to Bangkok in Chapter 16?

5. How many people had been killed since the cease-fire (as of December 1973)?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Kali religious festival from Chapter 16.

2. Why did Theroux say that the Malay smile was misleading?

3. What common prostitution story did Theroux hear numerous times during his travels and how did the story told in Laos differ?

4. How did the family planning experts react to Theroux's questioning about the sizes of their own families?

5. What did Theroux find disturbing about Osaka?

6. How did Colonel Tuan believe Vietnamese viewed Americans as the war wound down?

7. Why did Mr. Lau dislike Kuala Lumpur?

8. What image was brought to mind by the sight of the Japanese workers doing mass calisthenics?

9. What were Theroux's main impressions of Singapore?

10. What are the differences between Japanese and American consumers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In his descriptions of some of the railway stations through which he traveled, Theroux made it clear that many of the stations were ornate and reflected either the culture of the nation or the culture of the former colonial authority. Write an essay outlining how countries use railway station architecture to highlight their unique cultures. Does the effort to incorporate local styles help provide visitors with a better sense and appreciation of the country? What do you think Theroux could have learned from stations without any unique cultural aspects? What impact would homogenization have? Would it make all cultures seem similar?

Essay Topic 2

An Indian man on board the train with Theroux in Lahore told the author he was fleeing racism in London. One of the things he complained about was being stared at. In response, Theroux pointed out he was stared at in Asia. While the language the Indian faced in London was obviously racist, did the staring fall into the same category? Why did the man seem unable to recognize the implications of being kicked out of first class? How did Theroux react to the stares he received and did he seem to view them as racist? Were either one (the Indian or Theroux) being naive?

Essay Topic 3

In his travels through India, Theroux seemed to be convinced India was doomed to failure in the long run unless the population was brought under control. He had also described in disbelieving terms the family planning officials who themselves had large families. Do you believe Theroux was accurate in his claims? How would reining in population figures help a nation develop economically? Is there a point at which nations cannot cope with a large population or can nations figure out a way to successfully spread wealth despite large numbers?

(see the answer keys)

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