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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. Abbey feels if you have reached the point of needing moisture from the barrel cactus

2. Abbey is polemic about

3. Where once in the Arches Park there were only used newspapers to catch up on the news,

4. What is Abbey saying about the area in the Graham and Husk story?

5. Eating inside the trailer makes Abbey remember

Short Essay Questions

1. For what does the author seem to be searching by taking this job?

2. 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?

3. Abbey seems to jump back and forth in time in his book. Where in this chapter does that first become obvious?

4. Explain why Abbey prefers not to use a flashlight in the dark.

5. What concession does Abbey make to man's ingenuity when it comes to life in the desert?

6. Discuss Abbey's relationship with the natural world as he watches the stars.

7. Why does Abbey's watch seem absurd to him?

8. What does Abbey mean by "pox vobiscum," and "swinish politics?"

9. What is Roy Scobie's problem?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As a tourist, one might have found Abbey to be mysterious. Although he had a great sense of humor with the tourists, he is clearly shrouding feelings that they don't know about, opinions that come through in his humorous sarcasm. In the Episodes and Visions chapter, do a close reading of Abbey's conversations and private thoughts, and analyze what you feel he wished he could say to them, instead of what he did say.

Essay Topic 2

Choose ten plants or bushes that Abbey describes in this book, and do more intensive study on the flora of the desert by researching these particular plant species. Why does each thrive in the desert, what are their built-in defense systems, what seasons do they bloom or go to seed, how does each reproduce, and what intrinsic values do they possess in terms of beauty, sustenance for other living things, medicinal properties, shade, etc. Try to locate visual images of the plants to add to your essay.

Essay Topic 3

What do you think Abbey's general attitude is toward his fellow human beings? His cynicism is obvious, however, are we able to see a softer side of Abbey when it comes to people? If so, explain and describe it. What emotions is Abbey capable of feeling in this environment?

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