View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Cheryl describe in Chapter 18: “Queen of the PCT” as "hilarious and a little bit strange, with a dark edge of mystery"?

2. What creatures covered Cheryl when she awoke after drinking from the reservoir in Chapter 12: “This Far”?

3. What name did Cheryl's mother go by?

4. What did Susanna insist on doing for Cheryl in Chapter 15: “Box of Rain”?

5. What was the name of Lisa's boyfriend who came with her to see Cheryl at Olallie in Chapter 18: “Queen of the PCT”?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who gives Cheryl the nickname "Queen of the PCT"? Why?

2. How is the weather described in the beginning of Chapter 18: “Queen of the PCT”? How is Cheryl's mindset as she approaches the end of her journey?

3. What positive feelings about her mother does Cheryl reveal in Chapter 16: “Mazama”?

4. What fellow hikers does Cheryl meet at Shelter Cove Resort in Chapter 17: “Into a Primal Gear”? How are they described?

5. What dream keeps recurring for Cheryl in Chapter 14: “Wild”? What does she make of the dream?

6. What is the significance of the title of Chapter 11: “The Lou Out of Lou”? Who is Lou?

7. What angry thoughts does Chery reveal regarding her mother in Chapter 16: “Mazama”?

8. What discovery does Cheryl make in Cassel in Chapter 12: “This Far”? What action does Cheryl take in light of the discovery?

9. Describe Cheryl's mindset in the beginning of Chapter 17: “Into a Primal Gear.” How has Cheryl changed mentally and physically at this point in the journey?

10. What does Cheryl consider about her trail nickname in Chapter 14: “Wild”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of isolation in the memoir. In what ways did Cheryl feel isolated in her everyday life before she set out to hike the PCT? How does the isolation that Cheryl experienced on the trail compare with her isolation within society?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Cheryl’s flashback and discussion of James Michener when she meets Christine and Jeff in Chapter 10: “Range of Light.” Why did Cheryl disregard and insult her mother’s love of Michener? Why did Cheryl choose a Michener book from Jeff’s collection? What does this action symbolize in the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Cheryl’s relationship with Joe as described in the narrative. In what ways did Joe differ from Cheryl’s husband Paul? Where did Cheryl meet Joe? How did their relationship develop? How did Cheryl’s relationship with Joe influence her decision to hike the PCT?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,016 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample