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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. A medicinal property of the buckbrush is that of

2. The gopher snakes watch over Abbey like

3. Vernon Pick managed to sufficiently purify his water by

4. The locals in Moab's bars do not become violent, perhaps because

5. Viviano does not understand

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Viviano Jacquez's problem?

2. The author has arrived in Utah, having come from New Mexico. How different is the terrain in this new place from what he is accustomed to?

3. What are the two wild animals that Abbey has never seen in the Southwest?

4. Explain Abbey's description of the life cycle of the spadefoot toad.

5. How seriously is Abbey taking this government job?

6. What does Abbey suggest should be done about the erosion of national parks?

7. Explain why many of the petroglyphs are found in caves too high for us to reach.

8. Explain Abbey's vague contempt for human beings that emerges in this chapter.

9. It is interesting that Abbey wants to "own" all of the grandeur he sees around him. What does this feeling actually mean in this context?

10. Explain Abbey's frustration with Roy Scobie.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Edward Abbey goes into great detail in his story about Husk and Graham and the search for uranium. Why would he embellish this story so much, given that it was simply a legend in the area and he could not possibly have known such detail? What is the point of drawing the reader along through this story? Is there some hint that he provides that tells us who the real villain is? Do a detailed reading and write about Abbey's literary license in turning this into a detailed tale, and describe what effect he is attempting to create with it. What devices does he use within his story of Husk and Graham for irony?

Essay Topic 2

Write a researched essay on the current state of the Arches. Has it been mined, drilled, dammed and cemented over, as Abbey dreaded and anticipated? Research, describe and evaluate the changes, and determine whether you feel they have improved the park. Explain your position.

Essay Topic 3

The story of Moon-Eye reveals Abbey's compassion for animals. Write a researched essay about animal abuse in our country, and include detailed information on such groups as PETA and the SPCA, who try to protect animals from humans who neglect or abuse them. In your essay, explain your position regarding the ethical treatment of animals.

(see the answer keys)

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