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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. With whom does Ray live in a ramshackle house near the University?

2. What color of eyes does Princess have?

3. What is the profession of Henry Morley?

4. How far does Morley decide to walk in order to drain the crankcase which he has forgotten to drain before starting the journey?

5. When Ray and the truck driver get to the first city destination, where does the truck driver then offer to take Ray?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the character of Henry Morley.

2. What does Ray ask Japhy to help him do once Ray receives money?

3. What do the bums of San Francisco tell Ray there is great money to be made in doing?

4. Why doesn't Ray decide to camp in Mexico when he arrives?

5. Where does Ray decide to sleep once he arrives at his mother's house?

6. What does Ray notice about Los Angeles as he rides the bus to Riverside?

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

8. What is the arrangement that Beaudry and Ray work out?

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

10. What does Ray decide to do once the rest of the family is in bed asleep?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The suicide of Rosie is a tragic part of this story, though it seems to be a necessary evil within the story as well.

Part 1: Describe the circumstances of Rosie's suicide.

Part 2: Who might be to blame for her suicide? Who might have been able to stop her?

Part 3: What are the consequences of Rosie's suicide?

Essay Topic 2

While the characters profess to have a strong believe in Buddhism and its tenets, there is still the underlying theme of superiority.

Part 1: In what ways do Ray and Japhy feel they are superior to others?

Part 2: Why doesn't this idea of being better than other become problematic to these two men? Or does it?

Part 3: Does it seem like these men are true followers of Buddhism when they talk about how other people are not living the 'right' way? Can one be Buddha-like when they are critical of others?

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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