Final answer:
The text portrays Marco Polo as both a hero and a villain, with evidence of his heroic qualities through his exploration and cultural exchange, as well as instances of deception and exploitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marco Polo is portrayed as both a hero and a villain in the text.
- Evidence of Marco Polo as a hero: Marco Polo's exploration in the far East and his cultural exchange with different civilizations demonstrate his bravery and openness to different cultures. For example, his reports on paper money, coal, and Chinese pasta show his curiosity and willingness to share his discoveries with the world.
- Evidence of Marco Polo as a villain: There are also instances in the text that portray Marco Polo as deceptive and exploitative. While the text does not provide explicit examples, it suggests that Marco Polo may have misrepresented some aspects of his travels, and it points out that he did not mention certain Chinese customs or use Mongol or Chinese place names consistently.
In conclusion, while the text portrays Marco Polo as both a hero and a villain, it provides more evidence of his heroic qualities through his exploration and cultural exchange.