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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 Katz tell Bryson he has to protect them from bears?

2. Which mountains are older than the oceans and continents?

3. What do Bryson and Katz have to cross over in the Maine woods?

4. What is located at the summit of Mt. Washington?

5. What does Bryson use as a confirmation that they are really in the wilderness?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize the behavior of the hikers that Bryson and Katz meet in Gravel Springs Hut.

2. Summarize why Bryson is so angry about Katz drinking again.

3. Describe Bryson's thoughts on areas through which he thinks the Appalachian Trail should pass.

4. Describe what is killing the hemlock trees along the AT in the Blue Ridge Mountains and how is it being treated.

5. Summarize Bryson's experience hiking in Pennsylvania.

6. Summarize what Katz does to pass the time while Bryson is at Kmart.

7. Summarize the weather conditions in which most people fall victim to hypothermia.

8. How do Bryson and Katz adapt to hiking through Maine's wilderness?

9. Explain why Katz starts drinking again.

10. What has Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, inspired?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

1) Compare Stephen Katz's thoughts and ideas as he hikes in the first section of the novel his emotional state when he goes to hike the Hundred Mile Wilderness with Bryson.

2) Cite examples from the book that describe his emotional problems and the need for alcohol.

Essay Topic 3

Bryson describes the attitudes of Americans toward the wilderness.

1) Interpret Bryson's views about Americans and the wilderness.

2) In what way do Americans differ in their attitudes toward the wilderness with other parts of the world? Use examples from the book to justify the answers.

(see the answer keys)

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