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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. Why did Bud tell Cheryl he gave her the only room at the motel in Chapter 6: “A Bull in Both Directions”?

2. What nickname did Cheryl give to her hiking backpack?

3. What did the skiers respond when Cheryl shouted to them from the PCT in Chapter 9: “Staying Found,” "WHERE ARE WE?"

4. What is the name of Frank's wife in the narrative?

5. What is the name of Cheryl's sister?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would you describe Cheryl's mindset as she returns to the PCT in Chapter 9: “Staying Found”?

2. Describe Cheryl's encounter with the fox in Chapter 9: “Staying Found.” What inner emotions are revealed in this excerpt of the memoir?

3. How does Cheryl's encounter with Greg influence her mindset on the trail in Chapter 6: “A Bull in Both Directions”?

4. What is revealed of Cheryl's past in the flashback to the Mayo Clinic in Chapter 1: “The Ten Thousand Things”?

5. What book inspired Cheryl's journey? Where did Cheryl first encounter this book?

6. What are the "last-minute" items that Cheryl remembers to bring as she sets out in Chapter 3: “Hunching in a Remotely Upright Position”?

7. What items does Cheryl describe that she has brought for her journey in Chapter 3: “Hunching in a Remotely Upright Position”?

8. What information does Cheryl learn during her detour in Chapter 6: “A Bull in Both Directions”?

9. What memories of Cheryl's divorce are shared with the reader in Chapter 6: “A Bull in Both Directions”?

10. Where is the author in the Prologue of the memoir? What action takes place in the Prologue?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Cheryl’s flashback and discussion of James Michener when she meets Christine and Jeff in Chapter 10: “Range of Light.” Why did Cheryl disregard and insult her mother’s love of Michener? Why did Cheryl choose a Michener book from Jeff’s collection? What does this action symbolize in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the aspects of gender roles and expectations in Wild. How does Cheryl perceive her own femininity in relation to the men that she meets on the trail? What are your thoughts on the perceptions of others as Cheryl makes her way alone as a woman on the trail? How is Cheryl treated differently than the male hikers?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Cheryl’s encounter with Frank, Walter, and Carlos in the reading. What were Frank, Walter, and Carlos doing when Cheryl found them? What fears did Cheryl face as she sat in Frank’s truck? Were these fears well-founded?

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