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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. What did Chris and Ruess each do shortly before their deaths?

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

3. When Franz offered to give Chris a ride to his campsite, what is it he didn't know?

4. What parallel does Krakauer draw between Chris and Carl McCunn?

5. What did Chris realize after he decided to abandon his once beloved Datsun?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Krakauer compare and contrast Chris and his father?

2. What is a literary parallel between Chris and Ruess?

3. When hunters discovered Chris's body in September of 1992, what did they decide to do?

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

5. Discuss the difference between Chris's treatment of his parents and the way he treated strangers.

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

7. Discuss Chris's abandonment of his beloved Datsun.

8. How did Wayne Westerberg come to notify the police?

9. When Jim Gallien picked Chris up, what went through the back of his mind?

10. Tell something about Chris's connection to Jan Burres and her boyfriend Bob.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write your opinion about the effect pets can have on one's life. Use the example of Chris and Carine's dog, Buck. Add examples from your life--either pets you have had and been close to or examples of people and their special pets you know.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on your idea of living off the land. In the essay give specific details about the knowledge one would need before attempting to live that way. What skills would a person need as well? Where would be ideal locations for such an endeavor?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about Walt and Billie as examples of people working hard to fulfill the American dream. Explain whether you think their ambition might have affected their children. Conclude with your opinion about making money and making a life.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 838 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample