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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. How do Bryson and Katz feel once they realize they will never walk to Maine?

2. How do Katz and Bryson get to Knoxville?

3. What did the future hold for Earl Schaffer?

4. What is the daydream of every hiker as they walk the trail?

5. What is the weather like in Virginia?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the reaction of Katz and Bryson when they come out of the wilderness to the civilization of Knoxville?

2. Explain the type of hiking that Bryson and Katz will have to do through the Smoky Mountains.

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

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

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

6. Summarize what Bryson reads about on winter nights before he sets out on the Appalachian Trail.

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

8. What are some of the issues Bryson worries about with regard to hiking on the AT?

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

10. Summarize what Bryson does when he brings all his camping equipment home.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Analyze Bill Bryson's reasons for wanting to hike the Appalachian Trail.

2) In what ways did he accomplish what he set out to do?

3) In what ways is the hike a disappointment for him?

Essay Topic 2

The wilderness is the main constant throughout the novel. It is depicted in all the chapters of the book.

1) Explain the different images Bryson uses of the wilderness as the book progresses.

2) What is the significance of the wilderness in each part of the book?

3) What meaning does the wilderness have for Bryson and Katz?

Essay Topic 3

1) Analyze the fears Bryson experiences throughout the book.

2) Describe three events in the story where Bryson's fears paralyze him.

3) How does Katz help Bryson with his fears?

(see the answer keys)

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