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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did the employees at McDonald's object to Chris?
(a) His long hair.
(b) His poor hygiene.
(c) His being a loner.
(d) His bad attitude.

2. How does Krakauer classify Chris as opposed to the way most people saw him?
(a) As a true hero others should look up to.
(b) As mentally unbalanced.
(c) As not very different from many idealistic, if short-sighted, young people.
(d) As a classic example of a true Robinson Crusoe.

3. What is the tone of Krakauer's book?
(a) Angry.
(b) Defiant.
(c) Fearful.
(d) Compassionate.

4. After surviving 10 years living off the land, what became of Rosellini?
(a) He commited suicide and left no note.
(b) He settled down in a small town and raised a family.
(c) He went on the lecture tour.
(d) He traveled around the world backpacking.

5. How did Walt and Billie McCandless learn in Chapter 4 where their son might be?
(a) One of Chris's high school friends got a call from Chris.
(b) They saw him on a newscast on TV.
(c) Jan Burres called them.
(d) They received a ticket issued to their son for hitchhiking near Eureka, California.

Short Answer Questions

1. What similar classic books are favorites of Ruess and Chris?

2. What did Gallien know about city people who came to do what Chris had in mind?

3. After a series of misadventures on his way to San Diego, why did Chris call Franz?

4. What is ironic about Krakauer's descriptions of Walt McCandless and that of his rebellious son, Chris?

5. What did Chris make at Franz's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the inconsistency of Chris and his ideas about money.

2. Why do people still come to the site where the bus stands?

3. What are some particulars about Alex (Chris) deciding to go to San Diego?

4. What impression did Chris make on Ron Franz?

5. Describe the evidence at the opening of Chapter 1 that indicates Chris might have had a premonition about his death.

6. Explain Chris's lack of readiness for his Alaskan adventure.

7. Explain the origins of the Stampede Trail.

8. What is clear about the author's intentions in writing this book?

9. How abrupt was Chris's separation from his family?

10. Why does Krakauer include the story of Everett Ruess in Chapter 9?

(see the answer keys)

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