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. Abbey cancels his plans for

2. Abbey's reaction to the man's manner of death is one of

3. Why does the sign instructing skiers to ski in a clockwise direction irk Edward Abbey?

4. The meaning of Abbey's words, "claritas, integritas, veritas" can be found in this quote:

5. Abbey's concerns about preserving wilderness in this chapter are connected with

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Of what is Abbey reminded as he lay naked on top of Tukuhnikivats?

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

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

7. 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?

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

9. 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?

10. Do Abbey and Newcomb enjoy the "rapids" they encounter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Edward Abbey depressed? His inability to stop or shift the tides of progress comes through in his writing. Is he hopeful, or has he given up on the human race altogether? Explain your impressions, and provide examples.

Essay Topic 2

Choose ten plants or bushes that Abbey describes in this book, and do more intensive study on the flora of the desert by researching these particular plant species. Why does each thrive in the desert, what are their built-in defense systems, what seasons do they bloom or go to seed, how does each reproduce, and what intrinsic values do they possess in terms of beauty, sustenance for other living things, medicinal properties, shade, etc. Try to locate visual images of the plants to add to your essay.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,086 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample