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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. Abbey is convinced that horses are

2. Abbey's reaction to the man's manner of death is one of

3. The German who befriended Abbey was, in Abbey's opinion,

4. To make it easier to maneuver the rubber raft, Abbey

5. Moon-Eye's temperament was due to

Short Essay Questions

1. Of what is Abbey reminded as he lay naked on top of Tukuhnikivats?

2. Do you think Abbey intended to risk his life by spending the entire day trying to entice Moon-Eye to come to him.

3. Why does Edward Abbey seemingly push the limits of safety by living in isolation and putting himself in dangerous situations?

4. How does Abbey feel about leaving the desert and returning to the city?

5. Where is the heart of the desert, according to Abbey?

6. If Abbey is somewhat indifferent to the death of a fellow human being, why would that be true?

7. Try to explain Abbey's rambling about naming things.

8. Do Abbey and Newcomb enjoy the "rapids" they encounter?

9. What does Abbey say, indirectly, about change?

10. Why was Abbey not interested in living with the Supai Havasu Indians?

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

Abbey and his friend, Newcomb, enjoy an incredible rafting trip down the Colorado River, separating themselves from humanity in general. Discuss in a detailed essay Abbey's mixed feelings of revulsion and delight about the human race. How does this trip down the river bring things into focus for him? Since he is a human himself, does he simply feel superior to most people, or are his objections more theoretical? Is the trip down the river a statement of some kind - does it hold a deeper meaning?

Essay Topic 3

Write a researched essay on the current state of the Arches. Has it been mined, drilled, dammed and cemented over, as Abbey dreaded and anticipated? Research, describe and evaluate the changes, and determine whether you feel they have improved the park. Explain your position.

(see the answer keys)

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