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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. During what decade did Knight encounter a hiker in the woods and exchange one word with him?
(a) The 1990s.
(b) The 2000s.
(c) The 1970s.
(d) The 1980s.

2. What objects does Finkel use within metaphorical depictions of the Northern Lights?
(a) Drapes.
(b) Milkshakes.
(c) Shutters.
(d) Waves.

3. How did Knight stay abreast of world events during his 27-year stint living in the woods?
(a) He listened to the radio.
(b) He called strangers.
(c) He watched television.
(d) He eavesdropped on vacationing families.

4. Of the "dozens of North Pond summer residents who offered their opinions about Knight," what percentage of them "insisted that he was lying" (128)?
(a) 80.
(b) 40.
(c) 60.
(d) 20.

5. According to Finkel, what type of hermit was Jesus?
(a) Ascetic.
(b) Pursuer.
(c) Protester.
(d) Pilgrim.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what location did Knight keep his book entitled Very Special People?

2. With what unfamiliar genre of music did Knight become very familiar over the course of his years living alone in the woods?

3. Many locals disbelieved Knight's story because an ice storm that took place in what year would surely have killed him if he had been out there?

4. At the end of Chapter 20, Finkel reveals that Knight had "resolved that he wouldn't use" (132) what tool, no matter how dire the circumstances?

5. When Finkel asked Knight for the "grand insight" that may have been "revealed to him in the wild," (147) what element does Knight say is crucial?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does the theme of regret enter the narrative at least once before Chapter 14?

2. Explain the physiological theory Finkel discusses that focuses on the therapeutic effects of silence on humans.

3. How did Knight maintain knowledge of the world around him, though he only came into contact with a total of four humans over 27 years?

4. Define the category of hermits identified as pilgrims and provide one example Finkel gives within the text.

5. To which transgressions did Knight admit and which act of wrongdoing did he adamantly deny?

6. What does the shelf mushroom discussed in Chapter 16 symbolize?

7. What real-life example does Finkel use to demonstrate the wide variety of ways in which people respond to solitude?

8. Describe the significance of the National Geographic photograph discussed in Chapter 13.

9. Provide an explanation of the category of hermits Finkel dubs pursuers and give an example Finkel provides within the text.

10. For what reason did Knight keep a whistle on hand during his time in the woods and what was significant about his choice not to use it?

(see the answer keys)

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