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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 does Matthiessen stow away and plan to read when he gets to Kathmandu?

2. The sight of ______________ makes Matthiessen feel restless and want to read his letters.

3. Why does Schaller camp outside the monastery?

4. What indicates the presence of Japanese mountain climbers at their resting place?

5. What gift does Matthiessen fail to bring in his meeting?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who gets sick along the last leg of the journey and requires immediate treatment?

2. What does Matthiessen share from the letters he receives from Schaller dated December 8th and 9th in the last part of the book?

3. After Matthiessen and Schaller part ways, where and with whom does Matthiessen travel next?

4. With whom does Matthiessen share a special bond and what about this individual surprises him in Jumla?

5. When Jang-bu and another sherpa go in search of firewood, where do Matthiessen and Schaller wander and what do they find?

6. What event do Matthiessen and Schaller witness outside the monastery that surprises them because they did not expect to see that animal or for it to act in the way that it does?

7. What does Matthiessen say about Shey and its reclusive inhabitants?

8. As the group hikes around Crystal Mountain, what is the change that happens to Matthiessen and Schaller?

9. What is the uncomfortable discovery that Matthiessen makes during his descent down the mountain range from Murwa?

10. What does Schaller wonder about the juvenile sheep that he sees outside the monastery?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The four rhetorical modes of writing are exposition, argumentation, description, and narration. Which mode or modes are used in this book and how? List at least one example of each mode you find in the book. Explain what reason Matthiessen might have had for using it.

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.

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