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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. When Ralston returns from his trip to Mount Holy Cross, what news does he hear about his friends?

2. What does Ralston drop when he attempts to place it safely into his pack with the swollen hand?

3. What does Ralston realize about his pinned limb?

4. Sonja spends Thanksgiving camping at Havasupai Canyon with whom?

5. Where does Ralston find work in Aspen?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Jack Moore connected to Butch Cassidy?

2. Although Ralston is trapped, why does he find it important to keep track of his bicycle lock key?

3. What are some signs that indicate Ralston is losing some of his rationale and cool?

4. What external events serve as a reminder to Ralston that he is lucky despite his risky adventures?

5. Ralston responds to his near-drowning in a couple different ways. How does his discussion with his sister differ from the way he reacts in front of his friends.

6. What "clothing" does Ralston makeshift for himself to keep warm at night? What else does he do to stay warm from the chill?

7. Even before the expected predicament of Ralston occurs, what conversation foreshadows the eerie feeling of the canyon?

8. Although Ralston usually prepares himself before setting out on his adventures, what event(s) occur(s) at Havasupai that shows Ralston does not always look before he leaps?

9. In addition to the direct injury of his pinned arm, what other challenges does Ralston face from being stuck in one place?

10. How does Ralston react spiritually to his entrapment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ralston is an avid solo climber who seems to prefer to do many activities alone. Yet he has many friends to party with and plenty worry and search for him. Explore Ralston's relationships with his family and friends. Does he seem close to any in particular? Is there a mutual respect between Ralston and his friends? What holds the bond between Ralston and his companions?

Essay Topic 2

Ralston constantly updates the video camera of his current situation. He assumes he dies in the canyon and expects a stranger one day finds his body and his camera. Explain the reasoning behind Ralston's need to constantly talk to the camera and detail his entrapment.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the trances Ralston slips into near the end of his week of entrapment. Analyze the trance. What does it mean? Why do you think Aron falls into this trance? Does it decipher any meaning from it? What actions does he take because of the trance? Does it change his way of thinking?

(see the answer keys)

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