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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. When is the perfect time to travel and for harvesting potatoes, according to Matthiessen?

2. Who is making it difficult to pass through the region without a government permit?

3. Who was the woman that became Matthiessen's wife?

4. Whose departure causes Schaller to have an angry outburst?

5. What drug did Matthiessen use that possibly had a negative effect on him?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is one of the rarest of cats, where does it live, and why is it considered rare?

3. What does Matthiessen notice in the Jaljala Ridge?

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

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

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

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

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

9. What is a Vedic belief that Matthiessen has great respect for and shares on his initial ascent up the mountain in Part 1?

10. What makes the journey through Kali Gandaki especially difficult?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Along the trip, Matthiessen, Schaller, and their climbing group have to procure government permits to enter the Land of the Dolpo. What is a government permit? Why is it necessary to travel to certain areas? Why do you think the Nepalese government restricts access to certain areas for foreigners? How is the restriction enforced? Schaller is willing to break the rules to reach his destination but the others warn against doing so. Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Who is the yeti? What does this individual look like? Where does he or she live? How does Matthiessen describe this creature? What does he know about this creature from the local villagers that he meets in Nepal? What does the young biologist tell him about the yeti? What does Tukten tell Matthiessen about the yeti? Describe.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief portrait study of Peter Matthiessen. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him through his life? How does he change from the beginning of the book, to his trip to the Shey Monastery, and finally as he gets ready to leave Kathmandu?

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