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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. A badge gives Edward Abbey the authority to

2. The yucca plant is pollinated by

3. West of the Mississippi, Abbey says the cult of "cowboyism" is growing as fast as

4. Besides money, a reason for developing the parks is

5. Wood is petrified by

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Abbey's vague contempt for human beings that emerges in this chapter.

2. Abbey seems to jump back and forth in time in his book. Where in this chapter does that first become obvious?

3. What is an example of the primitive attitudes of Native Americans, as expressed by Abbey?

4. What advantages did the government's Atomic Energy Commission have in finding uranium? Are they portrayed as a benificent agency?

5. How does the author project his own sensibilities onto the doves that he hears calling? Why?

6. What is Roy Scobie's problem?

7. Why does Abbey's watch seem absurd to him?

8. Why does Abbey decide not to kill the rattlesnake under his doorstep?

9. Abbey describes areas where one can find artifacts from Native Americans in the form of arrowheads and spearheads, made from obsidian. There is a law that prohibits removing stones from the national park. Do you think these artifacts can still be found in the "shady alcoves under canyon walls" in the Arches?

10. How were the Park Service rules ambiguous as they were written in 1916?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Abbey practices civil disobedience when he has the opportunity. Write about these instances and describe them, and what they accomplish. Who are Abbey's heroes and mentors and how does he emulate them? Is he simply an angry man? Describe his motives for these acts.

Essay Topic 2

Edward Abbey is a reporter and narrator, explaining what he sees, hears, feels and experiences. However, he does not necessarily let the reader into his heart and soul regarding his personal life. He chooses this reclusive job, and makes journeys into wilderness areas where there are no people. Is Abbey a recluse by nature? Why does he seem to prefer this solitude? Are there hints in the story about his personal life? If so, describe and interpret them.

Essay Topic 3

Write a researched essay on the current state of the Arches. Has it been mined, drilled, dammed and cemented over, as Abbey dreaded and anticipated? Research, describe and evaluate the changes, and determine whether you feel they have improved the park. Explain your position.

(see the answer keys)

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