2. 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.

3. As the caravan gets closer to Baalbek, Twain begins to tell relevant stories from the Bible. What stories does Twain relate, and how does he feel about the Syrians at this point in the story?

4. Baalbek's landscape is dotted with temples and ancient escarpments, making the location feel timeless and overwhelming. How do Twain and his friends feel about Baalbek?

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 and his friends are sure they are going to run into problems finding enough provisions for their trip to Damascus. What happens while their are in Lebanon to change their minds?

7. 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?

8. After weeks of excitement, a bit of unstructured leisure is welcomed as the group heads home. What are some of the activities offered on board the ship for its guests' entertainment?

9. 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?

10. Because the travelers are not permitted in Greece, they decide to move on to Turkey. What are some of the dubious customs of Turkey, and what does Twain say about those customs when comparing them to those of America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many points in the story where Twain notes that, though he cannot see or visualize something, it must be true because it was written about. What does this say about Twain? What does this say about his faith in the written word? Select a particular instance that outlines this.

Essay Topic 2

Recall Twain's reaction to the statue of a man without skin in Milan. What was his reaction to the statue? What triggered that reaction? What kind of trauma could be suffered by a boy of the age Twain was when he snuck into his father's office when exposed to what he was exposed to at that point? How do you think it affected Twain, given his personality as an adult?

Essay Topic 3

Twain is very complimentary of several locations while others draw his ire not long after arrival. Which location do you feel is his favorite? Why? How does he describe this location? Which do you feel is his least favorite? Why? How does he describe this location?

(see the answer keys)

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