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. In the 16th century, who provided funds to Christopher Plantin to write his Bible?

2. In what other way were mnemonic devices used during the 16th century?

3. What did Ricci realize about his attempt at ecumenism when he was a missionary in China?

4. How did Ricci display his sense of ecumenism in China when he was a missionary?

5. In the 16th century, which Chinese religions had Trinitarian aspects?

Short Essay Questions

1. What had the Japanese done to make Ricci's life difficult?

2. What were the names of the ships during Ricci's trip from Lisbon to Goa in 1578?

3. According to the author Jonathan D. Spence, how did the Chinese view the use of mnemonic devices?

4. What did Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, think of mnemonic devices?

5. Does the author know with certainty where Ricci picked up the idea of mnemonic devices?

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

7. About what did Ricci's Chinese Christian converts complain?

8. Why does Matteo Ricci agree to use his mnemonic techniques to help Governor Lu's sons?

9. Describe the first picture, "The Apostle in the Waves" that Ricci used to instruct the Chinese.

10. How did Ricci use Chinese ideograph did Ricci use for his first image?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Matteo Ricci began as a Jesuit priest and followed its philosophy to perform missionary work. Research the original philosophy of the first Jesuits and explain how Ricci exemplified this mission. Use information from Chapter One: Building the Palace to get started.

Essay Topic 2

Sexual immorality caused Ricci great concern. Discuss the ways in which both the Jesuits and the Chinese challenged Ricci's view of sexual morality and the ways he chose to combat it.

Essay Topic 3

During the 16th century, the political life of Italy was unstable. Connected by a number of city-states, the country was constantly drawn into internal and external feuds, war and violence. Adding to the chaos was the powerful presence of the Catholic Church and the role of the pope. Taking into account his age, his family's position in the community, and his education, explain how these events influenced Matteo Ricci.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,026 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample