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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. Natural springs that seep through canyon walls are

2. Why did Roy Scobie need to round up his cattle?

3. The story of Husk, Graham and Billy-Joe is obviously

4. Abbey wonders if a man could get used to

5. The sounds of the mourning doves suggests to Edward

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Abbey describes areas where one can find artifacts from Native Americans in the form of arrowheads and spearheads, made from obsidian. There is a law that prohibits removing stones from the national park. Do you think these artifacts can still be found in the "shady alcoves under canyon walls" in the Arches?

4. What advantages did the government's Atomic Energy Commission have in finding uranium? Are they portrayed as a benificent agency?

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

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

7. What is Roy Scobie's problem?

8. What is one of the innate demands of industrial tourism?

9. What is Viviano Jacquez's problem?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the chapter entitled The Heat of Noon, Abbey makes a list of the preparations that would be necessary in order to impose a dictatorship on a country. Do a close reading of his list and in an essay, write a response to each of his entries. Was he exaggerating? Is he a radical? Are any of these conditions currently in place? Note where you agree or disagree with his opinions, and why. Where would Abbey fall in today's society politically?

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

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)

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