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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. The heat of the desert makes objects appear

3. Abbey and Newcomb are in denial about the

4. To make it easier to maneuver the rubber raft, Abbey

5. Abbey can be said to be a high-level

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Abbey not interested in living with the Supai Havasu Indians?

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

3. If Abbey is somewhat indifferent to the death of a fellow human being, why would that be true?

4. Why does Abbey prefer the desert to other environments?

5. Why does Edward Abbey seemingly push the limits of safety by living in isolation and putting himself in dangerous situations?

6. Try to explain Abbey's rambling about naming things.

7. What does Abbey say, indirectly, about change?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on your close reading of the section of the book where Abbey describes the noonday sun as if it were a drug-induced experience. Try to explain and expand on the description he has given, and consider why he describes it the way he does. Do you feel he was suffering from heat stroke? Do you think being alone might have caught up with him? Do you think he is afraid for his survival in this moment of extreme heat? What is the reality of this section, in your opinion?

Essay Topic 3

Desert Solitaire was first written in 1956, and reprinted several times after that. Abbey obviously added some text over time. Do a close reading of the section where Abbey describes the experience of noontime in the desert as a psychedelic experience. Are you able to "feel" and understand what he is trying to say? Is he, perhaps, suffering from heat stroke at that time, or is he disoriented. Discuss in your essay the kinds of literary tools Abbey uses to help us experience his story.

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