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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. What does Governor Wallace tell Peter before he leaves?

2. What is Peter planning at the end of Chapter 20?

3. Where are Peter and Cooper at the beginning of Chapter 18?

4. Where is Peter leaving at the start of Chapter 19?

5. At the end of Chapter 22 when Peter leaves the Farm, how does Peter feel?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapters 15 and 16, Peter finds himself isolated from the men at work. What causes this rift?

2. Describe Peter's church experience while living with the Oliver family in Chapter 13.

3. What is the significance of the diner experience Peter has at the end of Chapter 25.

4. What is Peter's impression of Stephen Gaskin?

5. How do the teachings of Stephen Gaskin influence Peter in a positive way?

6. Describe the act of nature that occurs in Murphy in Chapter 17. How does Mary Elizabeth react?

7. What is Cooper's impression of the Farm?

8. What is Peter's job like while living in Murphy?

9. In Chapter 13, Peter meets a sheriff. Describe their interaction.

10. How is the accident in Chapter 22 going to change Peter's journey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a great deal of political and social unrest at the time A Walk Across America takes place. How do outside events influence an author's writing? Is it necessary for a reader to have knowledge of the events that occur at the time a book is written? Why or why not? How would your reading of A Walk Across America change without the understanding of events occurring at the time of Peter's travels? Cite examples from the book and explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

In all of the photos Peter selects to show the readers, there are none of his wife Barbara. Why do you believe he omits these pictures? Use examples from the book to support your conclusion.

Essay Topic 3

Homer, the mountain man, and Peter choose to isolate themselves from society in different ways. Compare and contrast the isolation Peter and Homer put upon themselves in A Walk Across America. Cite examples from the book. Why do you think that Homer and Peter choose isolation over human companionship?

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