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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. Moon-Eye's temperament was due to

2. Under Abbey's ramada on a sunny day the temperature of 110 degrees is

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

4. Abbey sees the value of wilderness, in a political sense, as

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Abbey gives us two facts in the early part of this chapter that make it clear that this trip was taken in a decade long-past. What is it?

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

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

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

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

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

7. Do you think Abbey intended to risk his life by spending the entire day trying to entice Moon-Eye to come to him.

8. Why do you think Abbey wants to own Moon-Eye?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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?

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