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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. From what state does Warren originate?

2. What does Ray think about his life when he begins to contemplate Japhy's choices and outlook?

3. Where did the girlfriend in #64 finally go in order to kill herself?

4. What does Ray realize about the time of year when he is traveling around?

5. Where does Ray go to meditate when the rest of the family is at work or school?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does a transient in Riverside warn Ray about once he arrives?

2. List the four men who sit together at Japhy's small home, drinking wine together and discussing poetry.

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

4. How do Japhy and Ray find Morley again?

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

6. What does the bum tell Ray to do in order to cure arthritis?

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

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

9. How does Ray feel once they have reached a higher point of elevation as they hike up to Matterhorn?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of simplicity is another obvious idea that is tested and acknowledged as the story continues.

Part 1: What are Ray's ideas about simplicity? What are Japhy's ideas about simplicity?

Part 2: What are some examples of Ray and Japhy's adherence to simplicity?

Part 3: Why is living simply preferable to living any other way, according to these characters?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

One of the basic tenets of Buddhism is the practice of compassion for others. In giving of one's self, one can attain true enlightenment and peace.

Part 1: How do the characters in the story define the idea of compassion?

Part 2: Describe at least two instances in which one character is compassionate to another character.

Part 3: Do the characters in the story seem to be able to be compassionate to each other? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 664 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample