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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 Twain given in Smyrna that he puts under his hat?

2. What is the first disappointing tourist attraction the group visits in Turkey?

3. How old is the emperor's daughter?

4. What do the travelers do in Odessa?

5. What legend does Twain relate in Chapter 40?

Short Essay Questions

1. Despite many precautions, what disease does Twain contract, and what are his theories on how he contracted it?

2. 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?

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

4. Twain and his companions' awe at walking in Jesus' footsteps and perhaps touching the very surface he may have once touched continues. They come to the tiny village of Shunem. What is the village's main attraction for Twain?

5. Describe the scene of the journey to Mary Magdalene's former home in the tiny, extremely impoverished village of Magdala. How do you think the group feels once it has seen Mary's home and is on its way out?

6. Twain notices something about the Russian emperor during their visit that makes the emperor appear even move down to earth and human. What does Twain notice?

7. 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?

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 and the group have, to this point, been surrounded by foreigners with nothing to gain from the group but their money. Their experience with the Russians is happily different. What happens to make the group feel this way?

10. The men come upon young Jack on the verge of destroying an innocent turtle. What is Jack's issue with the turtle, and what does that tell you about Jack's personality?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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