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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. Edward Abbey is living in isolation,

2. An arroyo seco is

3. What is the one clue we have that the lawyer who approached Mrs. Husk was representing the government?

4. The Moab Valley in the distance lies between

5. Edward Abbey's solution to preventing rattlesnakes is

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author project his own sensibilities onto the doves that he hears calling? Why?

2. For what does the author seem to be searching by taking this job?

3. Why would the obsidian shards be named "Apache tears?"

4. Is it beneficial to the Navajos that their population is increasing?

5. How seriously is Abbey taking this government job?

6. Explain Abbey's description of the life cycle of the spadefoot toad.

7. Why was Turnbow Cabin built?

8. Why does Abbey's watch seem absurd to him?

9. Why does Abbey decide not to kill the rattlesnake under his doorstep?

10. How does Abbey get rid of the rattlesnakes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose ten plants or bushes that Abbey describes in this book, and do more intensive study on the flora of the desert by researching these particular plant species. Why does each thrive in the desert, what are their built-in defense systems, what seasons do they bloom or go to seed, how does each reproduce, and what intrinsic values do they possess in terms of beauty, sustenance for other living things, medicinal properties, shade, etc. Try to locate visual images of the plants to add to your essay.

Essay Topic 2

The man-made lakes that have been developed by the federal government in the Arches parks are named after men who personally experienced those areas. Research and write about the two men after whom the major lakes have been named, and their contributions to the area. Do you feel their contributions are congruent with the projects that have been named in their honor? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

As a tourist, one might have found Abbey to be mysterious. Although he had a great sense of humor with the tourists, he is clearly shrouding feelings that they don't know about, opinions that come through in his humorous sarcasm. In the Episodes and Visions chapter, do a close reading of Abbey's conversations and private thoughts, and analyze what you feel he wished he could say to them, instead of what he did say.

(see the answer keys)

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