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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. To where are the colonists who have boarded the ship in Chapter 57 going to be taken?

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

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

4. What city is said to be the boyhood home of Jesus?

5. What is Endor's only fame?

Short Essay Questions

1. The group finally reaches Damascus. How do the citizens of Damascus feel about Christians and why?

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

4. Despite his earlier cynicism, Twain's faith in the locations and objects of Jerusalem seems unshakable, and he even challenges the reader to prove several hypotheses false. What are some examples of this almost blind faith, and what reasoning does Twain give to justify his unwavering belief?

5. Twain and his friends are sure they are going to run into problems finding enough provisions for their trip to Damascus. What happens while their are in Lebanon to change their minds?

6. The first place that the pilgrims want to visit in Jerusalem is the Holy Sepulcher. What is the draw of this location?

7. Because the travelers are not permitted in Greece, they decide to move on to Turkey. What are some of the dubious customs of Turkey, and what does Twain say about those customs when comparing them to those of America?

8. Baalbek's landscape is dotted with temples and ancient escarpments, making the location feel timeless and overwhelming. How do Twain and his friends feel about Baalbek?

9. The group takes a trip to the Egyptian pyramids. What is their reaction to the pyramids, and what object garners the most admiration from the travelers? How much do they admire this object?

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

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

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

Several members of Twain's group deface ancient ruins and artifacts for souvenirs. Twain even makes a point of telling one member that he is gathering nothing more than old dirt on one occasion. Even that won't deter the man. What are the implications of the defacement? Do you think that this is a moral or state issue? Why? Why do you think Twain includes this in his story? Elaborate.

(see the answer keys)

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