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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 calls the rampant development of national parks

2. Abbey describes the views from his trailer as

3. What is the one clue we have that the lawyer who approached Mrs. Husk was representing the government?

4. The physical comforts in his trailer include

5. The reason for the growth of Indian population in the southwest is due to

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Discuss how different the daily life of an pre-Columbian Native American was, as compared to the daily life of an American now.

4. Why was Turnbow Cabin built?

5. Is it beneficial to the Navajos that their population is increasing?

6. How seriously is Abbey taking this government job?

7. 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?

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

9. What is Roy Scobie's problem?

10. Where in this chapter does Abbey foreshadow a story involving quicksand?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The man-made lakes that have been developed by the federal government in the Arches parks are named after men who personally experienced those areas. Research and write about the two men after whom the major lakes have been named, and their contributions to the area. Do you feel their contributions are congruent with the projects that have been named in their honor? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

In his chapter on exploring the "maze," Abbey encourages his friend, Bob Waterman, to hide from the draft board out in this country where no other human resides. Why is it ironic, or not, that this particular interaction takes place in the maze? Do a close reading of this chapter and determine whether Abbey has layered it with additional meaning and symbolism, and provide examples. Is Abbey a true patriot, as he claims?

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This section contains 958 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample