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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 is the name of Twain's horse in Chapter 42?

2. According to Twain, what is wrong with the coffee on the ship?

3. What is the prevalent obstacle for the travelers throughout their journey?

4. What is the average age of a passenger on the excursion?

5. Why do the pilgrims acquire the habit of pulling their guns from their holsters?

Short Essay Questions

1. On a hill in Smyrna are layers of broken crockery and oyster shells. Twain is perplexed by who might have put these items in such an odd place. What are some of the possible origins for the shells and crockery given by Twain in Chapter 39?

2. 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?

3. What are some of the challenges faced by Twain and his friends when trying to guide their donkeys to Ephesus?

4. Describe some of the historical areas that the group can see from the hill 1,200 feet above the Lake of Galilee.

5. 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?

6. Describe the actions of the group once the ship drops anchor in Egypt. Who ends up on the ship with them?

7. Expecting the worst on the trip to Sevastopol, the group is on alert and a bit scared about what might happen. Describe the group's experience and how they react to the Russians.

8. 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.

9. Twain finds himself quoting the writer of "Life in the Holy Land" referring to Palestine as monotonous and uninviting. However, Twain also offers his own description of Palestine. How does he feel about the area?

10. Though the excursion is now complete, Twain and several of his friends feel that there is something missing. Where do they decide to go and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shechem seems to be a very original place. Describe the people and atmosphere of Shechem. Why do you think the people follow the customs that they do? Compare/contrast the Mount of Blessings and the Mount of Curses. From what do you think their names originated? Why? Do you think Twain is impressed with Shechem and its people? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The ship is quarantined at or away from the dock more often than not. What is the reason for this? Do you believe it is a necessary precaution? Why or why not? How do the passengers react? When some sneak off the boat to visit the country anyway, do you feel their act is immoral, if not reckless? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Twain is a travel writer at this point. Does his writing style strike you as that of a travel writer? Why or why not? Do you think he is fair and impartial with each location he visits? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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