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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. How many hours of darkness must Ralston survive through each night?

2. What adage does Rob Cooper use to discuss with Ralston?

3. What does Ralston do with his urine by day three in the canyon?

4. Who is Ralston's best friend that climbs his first "fourteener" with him?

5. What is Ralston's biggest risk that can cause his death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What becomes of the second rate Wild Bunch boys from Roost Canyon?

2. Describe Ralston's first taping on his video recorder in the canyon.

3. Even before the expected predicament of Ralston occurs, what conversation foreshadows the eerie feeling of the canyon?

4. What are some of the possible outcomes when Ralston initially ponders after he pins his arm?

5. Why is it be natural for Betty Darr to come up in Ralston's mind during his entrapment?

6. Ralston responds to his near-drowning in a couple different ways. How does his discussion with his sister differ from the way he reacts in front of his friends.

7. Although Ralston usually prepares himself before setting out on his adventures, what event(s) occur(s) at Havasupai that shows Ralston does not always look before he leaps?

8. What does "Geologic Time Includes Now" mean?

9. What does the sheriff's posse think of the outlaws?

10. Compare Warren MacDonald and Betty Darr and their relationship to Ralston.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the trances Ralston slips into near the end of his week of entrapment. Analyze the trance. What does it mean? Why do you think Aron falls into this trance? Does it decipher any meaning from it? What actions does he take because of the trance? Does it change his way of thinking?

Essay Topic 2

Compare at least five stories Ralston tells of his past climbs. What patterns are seen in Ralston's behavior? His decisions? His climb selections? How he deals with each situation?

Essay Topic 3

Ralston often says he expects to die in the canyon. However, he survives due to a variety of factors. Describe his character type and how this plays a role on his ability to survive. Cite examples. What other external factors outside of his control plays a role into his survival?

(see the answer keys)

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