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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. Ray thinks Buddhism and Christianity truly are aspects of _________ reality.

2. Who is cantankerous, wanting to stop for frequent rests?

3. What does Ray see as being the only decent activity left in the world?

4. What does Japhy casually mention to Ray, but does not explain to him at first?

5. What does Morley do in order to show the other men where he is on the trail?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the way Japhy decides to descend the mountain.

2. What kinds of stores do Japhy and Ray go to in order to find the best hiking equipment?

3. Describe the character of Ray Smith as he arrives in Los Angeles.

4. When the waitress asks the men where they will be hiking, what do the men reply?

5. What are some of the ways Japhy shows he is generous?

6. Describe the character of Japhy Ryder.

7. Describe the character of Henry Morley.

8. What happens later in the night which upsets Alvah, and rightfully so?

9. Where is Japhy and Ray's campsite for the night?

10. Once they reach a beautiful lake along their hike, what does Morley do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In a sense, one could say that Japhy and Ray are 'fighting' a war against the traditional culture and the way 'normal' people live their lives.

Part 1: Describe the culture Japhy and Ray want to oppose in the way they live their lives.

Part 2: Why do Japhy and Ray oppose the way one particular class lives their lives?

Part 3: What do you think Japhy and Ray see as the best possible way of living one's life?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of sexuality is one that is explored at different points of the story, but Ray's own feelings about sexuality seem to be conflicted.

Part 1: How does Ray respond to the idea of the yabyum idea? Does his reaction seem to fall in line with its definition or with his own sense of lust and longing?

Part 2: Ray seems to practice celibacy in most of the story, preferring to avoid sexual contact altogether. Is this a moralistic choice of a defense mechanism? Why do you say what you do?

Part 3: What does the story as a whole seem to say about sex? Is it a good thing? A bad thing? Spiritual? Abhorrent?

Essay Topic 3

There are many symbolic actions in this story that seem to tell the reader more about the character than the narrative actually does.

Part 1: What might be the symbolism of Ray going up the mountain with Japhy? What is the purpose of this trip?

Part 2: What is the purpose and the symbolism of Ray going up Desolation Peak by himself?

Part 3: What does Japhy's eventual journey to Japan seem to symbolize about his growth and his direction in life?

(see the answer keys)

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