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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. April mornings in the desert are

2. When raising his American flag, Edward wishes

3. Who comes out ahead in Abbey's story about Husk and Graham?

4. Edward Abbey is employed by the

5. Abbey sees as a nuisance the presence in the desert of

Short Essay Questions

1. Abbey mentions that both men he meets are married and have children. Can we assume Abbey is neither? Why or why not?

2. It is interesting that Abbey wants to "own" all of the grandeur he sees around him. What does this feeling actually mean in this context?

3. What does Abbey mean by "pox vobiscum," and "swinish politics?"

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

5. Abbey seems to jump back and forth in time in his book. Where in this chapter does that first become obvious?

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

7. How does Edward Abbey seem "polemic" in his views about national parks?

8. Explain why many of the petroglyphs are found in caves too high for us to reach.

9. What are the two wild animals that Abbey has never seen in the Southwest?

10. What advantages did the government's Atomic Energy Commission have in finding uranium? Are they portrayed as a benificent agency?

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

There are hundreds of geographical features mentioned in Desert Solitaire. Make a table and list of all of the geographical features, look up their meanings and descriptions, and add images, if possible. Provide copies of your material to the class for reference as they read Desert Solitaire.

Essay Topic 3

The story of Moon-Eye reveals Abbey's compassion for animals. Write a researched essay about animal abuse in our country, and include detailed information on such groups as PETA and the SPCA, who try to protect animals from humans who neglect or abuse them. In your essay, explain your position regarding the ethical treatment of animals.

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