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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. Bryson thinks the houses in Maine are _____.

2. Why does Bryson joke that aliens have abducted everyone from Peacham?

3. What does Bryson think the Smithsonian is lacking today?

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

5. Why does Bryson want to go to the hotel calling for "proper attire"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Bryson have an "authentic" New England experience?

2. How is Bryson similar to the pilgrims?

3. How does Bryson feel after visiting Gettysburg? Why?

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

5. In visiting Colonial Williamsburg, how does Bryson feel about tourism?

6. What has always been Bryson's reaction to inequality?

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

8. What did Bryson realize on a family trip when he witnessed a shooting?

9. What does Bryson feel about Philadelphia having the affect of a big city?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the effect of Bryson's extreme and definitive points of view on his writing and our experience of Bryson and America.

Essay Topic 2

Bryson regularly points out instances of segregation and bigotry, yet has some biases himself. Discuss Bryson's stance on bigotry and how he defines it.

Essay Topic 3

Part of Bryson's motive for travel is to rediscover the land of his youth. In his travels, he makes many scathing remarks about the youth of today. Discuss Bryson's relationship with the idea of youth: his love and criticism of it.

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