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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. As Matthiessen and Schaller attempt to cross cliffs over treacherous precipices, Matthiessen has to ____________.

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

3. Who remains in the group and gains Matthiessen's trust even if porters do not like him?

4. When does the story of "The Snow Leopard" begin?

5. What does Matthiessen's group suffer from as they travel through the canyon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does a sherpa point out to Schaller while they take a break on the mountainside that makes Schaller happy?

2. What does Matthiessen do while Schaller climbs the countryside, looking for bharal after they pass through Dunahi?

3. When they are hiking, what disgusts Schaller but he is powerless to prevent from happening?

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

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

6. What creature is Matthiessen interested in possibly seeing in the Himalayas that he discussed previously with a young biologist?

7. What do Matthiessen and Schaller pass as they trudge up along the footpath in the mountains at the beginning of their journey?

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

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

10. In Part 2, how does Matthiessen describe his relationship with Deborah before she died?

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

Matthiessen learns about Nepal during the trip and in particular, its environmental problems. Describe what he notices and what its impact in on Nepal's economy as well as the forested habitats. Without conservation, what could happen to these areas? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Matthiessen frequently reminisces about his past, particularly his relationship with Deborah and her experience with cancer. How does travel help Matthiessen cope with his grief? Does it work effectively? With whom does Matthiessen share his feelings about Deborah on the trip? What events, people, and surroundings during his trip remind Matthiessen of Deborah? Describe.

(see the answer keys)

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