View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Viviano does not understand

2. The irony of Roy Scobie's death was that

3. The only stream that flows perennially through the park is

4. When he sees a rattlesnake, Abbey reminds himself

5. Abbey calls the rampant development of national parks

Short Essay Questions

1. Why would the obsidian shards be named "Apache tears?"

2. Why was Turnbow Cabin built?

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

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

5. What is Roy Scobie's problem?

6. What is an example of the primitive attitudes of Native Americans, as expressed by Abbey?

7. Why does Abbey decide not to kill the rattlesnake under his doorstep?

8. Why does Abbey kill a wild rabbit?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Edward Abbey is a reporter and narrator, explaining what he sees, hears, feels and experiences. However, he does not necessarily let the reader into his heart and soul regarding his personal life. He chooses this reclusive job, and makes journeys into wilderness areas where there are no people. Is Abbey a recluse by nature? Why does he seem to prefer this solitude? Are there hints in the story about his personal life? If so, describe and interpret them.

Essay Topic 2

Abbey practices civil disobedience when he has the opportunity. Write about these instances and describe them, and what they accomplish. Who are Abbey's heroes and mentors and how does he emulate them? Is he simply an angry man? Describe his motives for these acts.

Essay Topic 3

There are hundreds of geographical features mentioned in Desert Solitaire. Make a table and list of all of the geographical features, look up their meanings and descriptions, and add images, if possible. Provide copies of your material to the class for reference as they read Desert Solitaire.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 822 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample