- 1. In 'Journey to Portugal,' the Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago takes readers on a deeply reflective and poetic exploration of Portugal, his home country, as he embarks on a quest to understand its landscapes, history, and people. The book blends travel writing with philosophical musings, as Saramago delves into the essence of Portugal, evoking a sense of nostalgia and personal connection. Through his vivid prose, he encounters the richness of Portuguese culture, the complexity of its past, and the beauty of its natural scenery, while intertwining his observations with anecdotes and historical references. Saramago's journey is not just a physical one, but an intellectual and emotional pilgrimage that prompts readers to contemplate identity, memory, and the passage of time. The narrative challenges conventional notions of travel literature, as Saramago's prose invites readers to see beyond the mere geography of places, reaching into the soul of the nation and its people, ultimately reflecting on what it means to belong to a land steeped in history and tradition.
What is the primary genre of 'Journey to Portugal'?
A) Poetry collection
B) Historical fiction
C) Novel
D) Travelogue
- 2. How does Saramago typically travel through Portugal in the book?
A) By car
B) By bus
C) By train
D) On foot
- 3. What distinguishes Saramago's travel writing from a conventional guidebook?
A) Its use of photographs
B) Its focus on budget travel tips
C) Its listing of hotel ratings
D) His personal, reflective, and literary style
- 4. The book was first published after Portugal experienced a major political change. What was it?
A) The end of the monarchy
B) The Carnation Revolution (end of dictatorship)
C) Gaining independence from Spain
D) Joining the European Union
- 5. Saramago often describes encounters with what, symbolizing the soul of the places?
A) Business entrepreneurs
B) Famous politicians
C) International tourists
D) Local people and their stories
- 6. What aspect of Portuguese monuments does Saramago frequently analyze?
A) Their construction costs
B) Their visitor numbers
C) Their architectural and symbolic meaning
D) Their parking facilities
- 7. Which region of Portugal does the journey NOT cover?
A) The central region
B) The northern region
C) The islands of Azores and Madeira
D) The southern region (Algarve)
- 8. Saramago's narrative is deeply intertwined with the literature of which Portuguese poet?
A) Florbela Espanca
B) Fernando Pessoa
C) Sophia de Mello Breyner
D) Luís de Camões
- 9. What is a common stylistic feature of Saramago's prose in this book?
A) Long, flowing sentences with minimal punctuation
B) Short, clipped journalistic sentences
C) Rhyming verse
D) Extensive use of slang
- 10. What does Saramago seek to discover about Portugal?
A) Its national identity and essence
B) The best beaches for surfing
C) The fastest travel routes
D) The most profitable industries
- 11. The journey can be seen as a metaphor for what?
A) A scientific survey
B) A religious pilgrimage
C) A sports competition
D) A quest for self-discovery through one's country
- 12. What award did José Saramago win in 1998?
A) The Pulitzer Prize
B) The Goncourt Prize
C) The Nobel Prize in Literature
D) The Booker Prize
- 13. What is the original Portuguese title of the book?
A) O Ano da Morte de Ricardo Reis
B) Memorial do Convento
C) Viagem a Portugal
D) História do Cerco de Lisboa
- 14. Who is the author of 'Journey to Portugal'?
A) José Maria de Eça de Queirós
B) António Lobo Antunes
C) José Saramago
D) Fernando Pessoa
- 15. The journey begins in which direction from Lisbon?
A) South
B) North
C) East
D) West
- 16. In what year was 'Journey to Portugal' first published?
A) 1998
B) 1990
C) 1981
D) 1979
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