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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 occupies Bryson's thoughts as he awaits springtime?

2. What is the description of Georgia highlanders?

3. What is causing Bryson and Katz to hurry the descent of Blood Mountain?

4. What does Bryson notice while walking the trail in Georgia?

5. What is Bryson surprised to find at the first shelter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the vision Benton MacKaye has for Appalachian Trail.

2. Describe the bunkhouse at Rainbow Springs Campground.

3. Describe the reaction Bryson and Katz have toward Hiawassee when they arrive there with Donna and her fiancé.

4. Summarize the plan that the Appalachian Trail Conference forms from Benton MacKaye's original idea.

5. Mary Ellen becomes a hiking companion to Bryson and Katz. Describe her experience as a hiker.

6. Describe the weather as Bryson and Katz cross the ledge of Big Butt Mountain and reach Bearpen Gap.

7. As Bryson and Katz wait for a cabdriver, what do they suddenly decide about their destination?

8. Why do Bryson and Katz feel guilty about leaving Mary Ellen behind in the woods?

9. Why does Bryson describe his first day on the trail as hell?

10. Describe the two things Bryson is shocked about when he goes to buy equipment for the hike.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Interpret the feelings Bryson and Katz have for the trail in the first part of the novel with the emotions and reaction they have later in the novel.

2) What regrets do they have at the end of the novel with regard to their journey?

3) How does their relationship differ from the first part of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

1) Summarize how Bryson uses local color and imagery to describe the wilderness and the towns he and Katz visit.

2) Cite descriptive examples of trees, wildlife, waterways, towns, shelters, and motels.

3) Does the imagery Bryson uses depict a clear and accurate picture of the wilderness and towns along the Appalachian Trail? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

1) Explain the reasons Katz begins drinking again when he returns to the Appalachian Trail in August.

2) What does he reveal about himself to Bryson about his emotional condition?

3) Describe the effect his drinking and change of attitude affect the hike. Cite examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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