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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. Why doesn't Bryson mind bad service in restaurants?

2. After leaving the gas station, how does Bryson become lost?

3. Where was Bryson's brother living recently?

4. What does Bryson wish this era would allow him to do to beggars?

5. People are _____ when Bryson tells them of the dignitary he saw in D.C.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Bryson mind bad service in restaurants?

2. Why does Bryson have a problem with the Vanderbilts?

3. Why is Bryson relieved to be back in Iowa?

4. What is the unspoken connection with travelers?

5. Why are Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island more to Bryson's liking?

6. Is Bryson's mother patient?

7. Are the people of Roanoke, VA amiable to discussing the Melungeons? Why or why not?

8. What revelation about poverty does Bryson have in Vermont?

9. In Bryson's opinion, how is poverty relative?

10. How is Bryson similar to the pilgrims?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bryson, in his criticisms, often resorts to humor or imagination. Discuss how and why Bryson uses humor in his observations and how it impacts our perception of his encounters.

Essay Topic 2

What initiated Bryson's urge to travel was his desire to "be somewhere." However, what inspired this trip was tied to the death of his father and his desire to revisit youth. Discuss Bryson's complex relationship with home.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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