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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. What makes Matthiessen's group believe that they can finally continue their journey again?

2. Who told Matthiessen and Schaller about the abominable snowman living in the Himalayas?

3. Who in Matthiessen's group has hallucinogenic dreams?

4. What two conditions make some of the sherpas and porters turn back and return home?

5. Why does Matthiessen have wet and cold feet?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Matthiessen remark about Asia as they begin their trip?

2. Why does Matthiessen exhibit some reservation about traveling with Schaller at the beginning of the trip?

3. What do Matthiessen and the party see as they hike up the mountain in high spirits that reminds them of their mortality?

4. Why is Matthiessen so affected by the rain and bad weather after they pass through the canyon?

5. When did Matthiessen meet his wife and how does he feel about that experience while writing the novel?

6. What are the two conditions that affect the group because of the heavy weather as they hike up the canyon?

7. What are the final arrangements that Matthiessen and Schaller make before they can start their trip?

8. Whom does Matthiessen think about when the sherpa fetches him and Schaller wine to drink in the old cow shed?

9. When Matthiessen and Schaller arrive in Pokhara, whom do they meet?

10. What change of plans makes Matthiessen and Schaller feel liberated but also makes the trek more difficult after the sherpas leave?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Peter Matthiessen travels extensively and has had many hallucinogenic experiences. On this trip, he does not take any drugs but still experiences hallucinations in dreams leaving a feeling that does not disappear upon his waking. What could this be caused by? What is the internal transformation that is occurring to Matthiessen on his journey with Schaller?

Essay Topic 2

What is the transformation that occurs to Matthiessen on Crystal Mountain that changes his perspective to some degree? How does he act consequently?

Essay Topic 3

Schaller is a noted biologist who travels to remote areas. What are some of the animals he studies and searches for in the Himalayas? Why are they important? Discuss their significance.

(see the answer keys)

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