Carefully read the passage shown below and then answer the questions that follow.
Angkor Wat, a jewel in the heart of Cambodia, stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the Khmer Empire. Constructed in the early 12th century under the reign of King Suryavarman II, it was initially conceived as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. Angkor Wat, translating to 'City of Temples,' surpasses mere architectural achievement; it embodies the zenith of Khmer creativity, religious devotion, and cosmological symbolism. Its layout mirrors the Hindu cosmology, with the central tower symbolizing Mount Meru, the abode of the gods and the axis of the universe, surrounded by four smaller towers representing the mountain's surrounding peaks. Over time, Angkor Wat underwent a profound transformation, evolving into a Buddhist site, reflecting the fluidity of Southeast Asian spiritual practices. Its bas-reliefs, adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythological scenes and historical events, serve as a stone canvas, narrating the legacy of a civilization both mighty and enlightened. Despite the encroachment of the jungle and the passage of time, Angkor Wat has preserved its majesty, standing as a silent witness to the Khmer Empire's glory and its eventual decline. Today, Angkor Wat is not only a symbol of national pride for Cambodia but also a reminder of humanity's fleeting dominion over nature. It draws visitors from across the globe, who wander its vast corridors in reverence and wonder, connecting with a past that, despite its distance, feels intimately close. Angkor Wat's enduring allure lies not just in its physical grandeur but in its ability to evoke a profound sense of awe and reflection, inviting us to ponder the impermanence of human endeavors against the backdrop of time.
1. What aspect of Angkor Wat's design reflects the Hindu cosmology, and what does it symbolize?
The moat surrounding the temple, symbolizing the cosmic ocean
The central tower, symbolizing Mount Meru and the axis of the universe
The central tower of Angkor Wat symbolizes Mount Meru, considered the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology, reflecting the temple's architectural embodiment of religious and cosmological concepts.
The main entrance, indicating the gateway to enlightenment
The outer wall, representing the edge of the world
2. How does the passage metaphorically describe the enduring legacy of Angkor Wat?
As a ship navigating the ocean of time
As a mirror reflecting the transient nature of power
As a beacon of hope in the darkness of history
As a silent witness to the empire's glory and decline
Describing Angkor Wat as a 'silent witness to the empire's glory and its eventual decline' uses a metaphor to highlight the temple's role in chronicling the history and enduring legacy of the Khmer Empire through its very existence.
3. Which simile best captures the transformation of Angkor Wat from a Hindu to a Buddhist site?
Like water flowing from one vessel to another
The simile 'like water flowing from one vessel to another' aptly captures the seamless and fluid transformation of Angkor Wat from a Hindu to a Buddhist site, reflecting the adaptability and continuity of spiritual practices.
Like a chameleon changing its colors
Like a tree shedding its leaves in winter
Like a sculptor reshaping clay
4. What idiom encapsulates the message about humanity's achievements conveyed by Angkor Wat?
Fleeting dominion over nature
The phrase 'fleeting dominion over nature' encapsulates the idiom-like message conveyed by Angkor Wat about the transient nature of humanity's achievements and our temporary stewardship of the natural world.
The writing on the wall
Building castles in the air
A drop in the bucket
5. Reflecting on the passage, what nuanced perspective does Angkor Wat offer on the concept of progress?
Progress and connectivity can be a double-edged sword, embodying both advancement and the impermanence of human endeavors
Angkor Wat offers a nuanced perspective on progress, suggesting that while human endeavors aim for advancement and connectivity, they also reflect the impermanence of such achievements against the backdrop of time.
Progress is measured by the height of our buildings
True progress is found in abandoning the past
Progress is an unbroken march forward in time
