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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 people had been killed since the cease-fire (as of December 1973)?

2. How much did it cost to go to the Japanese bath?

3. What did Mr. Lau sell when not working as a civil servant?

4. What term described the total work stoppage organized by the Socialist Unity Centre in Chapter 16?

5. What was bunraku?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why were there no skiers on the mountain in Japan, despite the large amount of perfect snow?

3. What common prostitution story did Theroux hear numerous times during his travels and how did the story told in Laos differ?

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

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

6. What were Theroux's main impressions of Singapore?

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

8. Why did Theroux say that the Malay smile was misleading?

9. Describe the Japanese obsession with the high cost of living in Japan.

10. Why did Mr. Lau dislike Kuala Lumpur?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Japan, Theroux found the Japanese had some robotic qualities (automatically waiting in lines everywhere, doing group calisthenics at the office, etc.). Did that seem like a fair portrayal? What do you think caused the Japanese to behave in this manner? Do you think they had always been like that or had their history played a role in shaping their modern-day attitudes?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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