Desert Solitaire Test | Final Test - Hard

This set of Lesson Plans consists of approximately 134 pages of tests, essay questions, lessons, and other teaching materials.

Desert Solitaire Test | Final Test - Hard

This set of Lesson Plans consists of approximately 134 pages of tests, essay questions, lessons, and other teaching materials.
Buy the Desert Solitaire Lesson Plans
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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 gives us an idea of how he laces his conversations with tourists

2. As a true patriot, Abbey encourages Waterman to

3. Abbey often mentions tamarisks. A tamarisk is a

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

5. Abbey's campsite is

Short Essay Questions

1. The trip down the Colorado for Abbey and Newcomb is blissful and idyllic. What, if any, is the dark side of this story?

2. Abbey mentions thinking the unthinkable as he drives through the desert past the Arches headquarters. To what is he referring?

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

4. What influences Abbey's final decision to abandon his quest for Moon-Eye?

5. Why does Abbey refer to himself as a true patriot?

6. Why do you think Abbey wants to own Moon-Eye?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Abbey feels that cowboys and Indians primarily make a living these days by presenting their images to the curious in shows and mimicry of the old West. In a researched essay, determine the size of the population of cowboys in our country today. Were Scobie and Viviano part of a dying breed? How has the cowboy's lifestyle changed since Abbey's time? Do they still raise cattle in this part of the country? If possible, try to contact a cowboy who resides in the Moab area, and interview him or her about his daily routine and how modern technology has affected his work.

Essay Topic 2

Desert Solitaire was first written in 1956, and reprinted several times after that. Abbey obviously added some text over time. Do a close reading of the section where Abbey describes the experience of noontime in the desert as a psychedelic experience. Are you able to "feel" and understand what he is trying to say? Is he, perhaps, suffering from heat stroke at that time, or is he disoriented. Discuss in your essay the kinds of literary tools Abbey uses to help us experience his story.

Essay Topic 3

Edward Abbey is a reporter and narrator, explaining what he sees, hears, feels and experiences. However, he does not necessarily let the reader into his heart and soul regarding his personal life. He chooses this reclusive job, and makes journeys into wilderness areas where there are no people. Is Abbey a recluse by nature? Why does he seem to prefer this solitude? Are there hints in the story about his personal life? If so, describe and interpret them.

(see the answer keys)

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