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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. On the second day of their journey, Abbey is

3. Floating through the rapids leaves the two boaters

4. Abbey's decision to take a shortcut in the Havasu Canyon

5. The man who has initiated the search is the deceased man's

Short Essay Questions

1. Abbey does not speak highly of the man-made lakes on the Colorado. Why?

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

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

4. Do you think Edward Abbey is a fanatic? Is his fear of a future dictatorial regime unfounded?

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

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

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

8. Why does Abbey persist in pursuing Moon-Eye when the heat and conditions have become quite uncomfortable for him?

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

10. Why does Abbey prefer the desert to other environments?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Edward Abbey depressed? His inability to stop or shift the tides of progress comes through in his writing. Is he hopeful, or has he given up on the human race altogether? Explain your impressions, and provide examples.

Essay Topic 2

What do you think Abbey's general attitude is toward his fellow human beings? His cynicism is obvious, however, are we able to see a softer side of Abbey when it comes to people? If so, explain and describe it. What emotions is Abbey capable of feeling in this environment?

Essay Topic 3

Could you, and would you, volunteer for a job through the summer in the desert, knowing the harsh conditions? Why do you think Edward Abbey deliberately, and more than once, took the Park Ranger job for the summer, which was clearly an extreme challenge? Is he a little crazy, as he notes? What does the experience provide him with, if anything?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,046 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample