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

2. Why does Matthiessen get rid of his boots?

3. What is the surprising contrast in scenery that Matthiessen's group sees on their way through the canyon?

4. The path that Matthiessen found could have saved the group time because it was only _____________ versus the two-day trip that they had.

5. Where does Matthiessen's group climb towards and finally reach snow at 12,400 feet?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does Matthiessen adjust to the higher elevations once they pass 12,000 feet?

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

7. While Matthiessen sits outside the stone hut and relaxes in the sun, what does Schaller do?

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

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

10. What does Matthiessen learn is one of the biggest problems in Nepal and how is it caused?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author reiterates the theme of loss in "The Snow Leopard". Identify at least two themes about loss in the book. Cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Along their journey, Matthiessen and Schaller employ both sherpas and porters. What is a sherpa? Where does a sherpa originate from? What is a porter? How are sherpas and porters similar and how are they different? In a hierarchical sense, who has more authority and independence of the two? How do Matthiessen and Schaller relate to the sherpas and the porters on their trip?

Essay Topic 3

Peter Matthiessen points out the resilience in the crippled child who is still hopeful as she makes her way up the mountain side in the beginning of the journey. How does this child's behavior contrast severely with the attitude of many sherpas and porters who leave the group? What is the character trait expressed in the child that is inspiring and deeply moving? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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