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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. In Bryson's opinion, what don't farmers feel?

2. While in Columbus, what does Bryson realize about his journey?

3. What is the Mississippi police officer trying to ask Bryson in his thick accent?

4. Why does the Dullard barmaid compliment Bryson on his good English?

5. While visiting Abe Lincoln's home-town, Bryson quickly becomes ______.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Bryson draw ties to movies? How does this aid the narrative?

2. Does Bryson have a conflicted relationship with North Carolina? What constitutes this relationship?

3. What inspired Bryson's trip?

4. In Bryson's opinion, why do Farmers lose their limbs easily?

5. What was the effect of Bryson's "disturbed and erratic" childhood?

6. Does Bryson view his grandparents critically or endearingly? How does he portray them?

7. How does Bryson generalize towns from his youth?

8. How does Auburn, AL prompt more of Bryson's criticisms of youth?

9. Why is the south like a foreign country to Bryson?

10. What is disappointing about the Mississippi to Bryson?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bryson expressed his objective of returning to the land of his youth at the beginning of the book. Discuss Bryson's successes or failures in his objective.

Essay Topic 2

Bryson is more drawn to small towns rather than big cities. Discuss Bryson's stance and opinion on development in America.

Essay Topic 3

A majority of Bryson's trip is centered around sightseeing. Discuss tourism as a tool in Bryson's journey of discovering America and self-discovery.

(see the answer keys)

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