View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Ricci use the first four memory images in his memory palace?

2. When the king died without an heir, what effect did this have?

3. According to Ricci, how is the size of the memory palace determined?

4. Which of the following did the Jesuits NOT do on the trip in 1578?

5. Describe the first picture "The Apostle in the Waves."

Short Essay Questions

1. During the 16th century, why did the Jesuits send two copies of their letters on two different passages when they wrote home?

2. How and why did Ricci display his spirit of ecumenism in China?

3. According to Spence, how did Ricci use the four images and four Chinese characters?

4. What experiences led to Ricci's skill in drawing maps?

5. What did Ricci do to the second idiograph and how did the meaning change?

6. What were Ricci's rules for picking a location to store the information?

7. Where was the Memory Palace to be built?

8. When Ricci was a missionary in the 16th century, to what did Ricci compare the hand of God to the Chinese?

9. What were conditions in Ricci's home city of Macerata when he was a young boy?

10. According to "Chapter One: Building the Palace", what was the size of the Memory Palace that Matteo Ricci used to teach the Chinese people?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Matteo Ricci was born in Italy during the Renaissance, a great period of learning and exploration. Using information from your research, discuss the main characteristics of the Renaissance and explain how Ricci's life was influenced by the events of this time.

Essay Topic 2

The last chapter of the book relies on imagery to convey Ricci's last look at the Memory Palace. Discuss the way the author appeals to the five senses and the way the imagery develops the summation of Ricci's life.

Essay Topic 3

The word "huihui" refers to different groups of Chinese and Ricci uses the ideograph "yao" to develop an image about the huihui for the Memory Palace. Research online or in the library for additional information about these two terms. Explain the meanings of the two words and the way Ricci adapts them.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 858 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample