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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Abbey describes the experience of noontime in the desert like
(a) A psychedelic drug experience
(b) A dark nightmare
(c) An occult fantasy
(d) A religious experience

2. Beyond the timberline Abbey observes
(a) The alpenglow
(b) Gathering stom clouds
(c) Heavy snow
(d) The pine forest

3. The cabin Abbey slept in appears to be
(a) Condemned
(b) Full of rats
(c) Haunted
(d) Full of bats

4. The only sign of human life Abbey and Waterman see in the maze is
(a) Old tent poles
(b) A snake petroglyph
(c) A beer can
(d) Footprints

5. The desert winds of May have
(a) Dried the river to a stream
(b) Burned the green things to saffron and auburn
(c) Cleaned out the flowers and debris
(d) Brought huge thunderclouds

Short Answer Questions

1. The difference between the desert and other geographic areas is its

2. Abbey's concerns about preserving wilderness in this chapter are connected with

3. Abbey feels the only real paradise is

4. When Abbey finally confronts Moon-Eye, he is

5. Abbey's campsite is

Short Essay Questions

1. What are a few good words that would describe Abbey's impression of the desert at this time of year, and at noon? Is there any other place, time, state of mind or being, to which this same set of words also applies?

2. Abbey does not speak highly of the man-made lakes on the Colorado. Why?

3. Do Abbey and Newcomb enjoy the "rapids" they encounter?

4. Where is the heart of the desert, according to Abbey?

5. Do you think Edward Abbey is a fanatic? Is his fear of a future dictatorial regime unfounded?

6. Abbey gives us two facts in the early part of this chapter that make it clear that this trip was taken in a decade long-past. What is it?

7. Why do the men make jokes about the dead man?

8. The trip down the Colorado for Abbey and Newcomb is blissful and idyllic. What, if any, is the dark side of this story?

9. Of what is Abbey reminded as he lay naked on top of Tukuhnikivats?

10. Why does Abbey refer to himself as a true patriot?

(see the answer keys)

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