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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 admits that he, too, is a member of

2. Abbey likes the word, "Tukuhnikivats," which means

3. The beautiful flower Larkspur can be

4. Abbey's campsite is

5. The group's reactions after the man is taken away involve

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Abbey refer to himself as a true patriot?

2. Where is the heart of the desert, according to Abbey?

3. What is the difference between Abbey's heat waves and a mirage?

4. The poet to whom Abbey refers in this chapter when he says, "It was all foreseen a half century ago," is Robinson Jeffers, and his poem is entitled "Broken Balance." Why does Abbey not provide the reader with that information, when he has so adamantly laid out his reasoning and feelings for us in the previous paragraphs?

5. Abbey does not speak highly of the man-made lakes on the Colorado. Why?

6. What are a few good words that would describe Abbey's impression of the desert at this time of year, and at noon? Is there any other place, time, state of mind or being, to which this same set of words also applies?

7. Do you think Edward Abbey is a fanatic? Is his fear of a future dictatorial regime unfounded?

8. The trip down the Colorado for Abbey and Newcomb is blissful and idyllic. What, if any, is the dark side of this story?

9. Abbey mentions thinking the unthinkable as he drives through the desert past the Arches headquarters. To what is he referring?

10. What influences Abbey's final decision to abandon his quest for Moon-Eye?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire is not simply a story of his stay in the desert, but is a narrative of his experiences and feelings about the land as he learns its peculiarities and the nature of the desert. What, however, is the main thrust of Abbey's message? What does he want us to think about after having read about all of the aspects of the Arches and the surrounding land? Does Abbey's story have an ulterior motive?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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