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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. How many hotels did Mandalay have?

2. What country's guidebook did Theroux purchase at the bookstore in Osaka?

3. How far apart are Tokyo and Kyoto?

4. What did Theroux buy at the Naung-Peng station while waiting for the next train?

5. What was the name of the American English teacher in Hakodate?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Theroux describe the clothes laundering he witnessed from the trains in Asia?

2. What image was brought to mind by the sight of the Japanese workers doing mass calisthenics?

3. How was Theroux treated at the hotel in Mandalay?

4. Why did Mr. Lau dislike Kuala Lumpur?

5. How did the family planning experts react to Theroux's questioning about the sizes of their own families?

6. Why did Theroux leave behind his passport and camera while trying to go to the Goktiek Viaduct?

7. What did Theroux find disturbing about Osaka?

8. Why did Theroux find the Singapore government's prediction of electronic connectedness so disturbing?

9. What was Theroux's reaction to the sight of the Goktiek Viaduct?

10. How did Westerners and Japanese react to the suicide of the Japanese writer, Yukio Mishima?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While in India, Theroux noticed the strict seating divisions on board the trains reflected the stringent caste divisions in Indian society. Research the caste system and write an essay outlining the different divisions and the rights, perks, and job opportunities provided by each. In addition, discuss how the caste system affected Theroux's experience of Indian railway travel. Would it have been different if the caste system had not existed?

Essay Topic 2

An Indian man on board the train with Theroux in Lahore told the author he was fleeing racism in London. One of the things he complained about was being stared at. In response, Theroux pointed out he was stared at in Asia. While the language the Indian faced in London was obviously racist, did the staring fall into the same category? Why did the man seem unable to recognize the implications of being kicked out of first class? How did Theroux react to the stares he received and did he seem to view them as racist? Were either one (the Indian or Theroux) being naive?

Essay Topic 3

In his descriptions of some of the railway stations through which he traveled, Theroux made it clear that many of the stations were ornate and reflected either the culture of the nation or the culture of the former colonial authority. Write an essay outlining how countries use railway station architecture to highlight their unique cultures. Does the effort to incorporate local styles help provide visitors with a better sense and appreciation of the country? What do you think Theroux could have learned from stations without any unique cultural aspects? What impact would homogenization have? Would it make all cultures seem similar?

(see the answer keys)

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