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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who does Krakauer mention who had done something similar to what Chris did and survived?
(a) Albert Swartz, a modern day Thoreau.
(b) Thor Heidahl who sailed the Pacific in a canoe.
(c) Gene Rosellini, the Mayor of Hippie Cove.
(d) The first man to climb Mt. McKinley.

2. What questions did Chris ask Gallien that impressed the older man?
(a) About moose and carribu.
(b) About the length of winters in Alaska.
(c) Informed questions about the flora and fauna of Alaska.
(d) About traffic in that part of Alaska.

3. What type of people did Ruess like to spend time with?
(a) Vagabonds and drifters.
(b) Photographers and painters.
(c) Hikers and rafters.
(d) Native Americans and Russians.

4. When Chris corresponded with his sister, what did he confide to her?
(a) That he planned to lull his parents into a false sense of security then cut them out of his life abruptly and decisively.
(b) That he was tired of being on the run all the time.
(c) That he would surprise them all and come home.
(d) That he would see her by Christmas time.

5. What was the official verdict on the cause of death?
(a) Pneumonia.
(b) Punctured lungs.
(c) Lead poisoning.
(d) Starvation.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long did Chris survive in that hostile environment?

2. Who did Chris meet on a trip into Salton City to get some supplies?

3. What problem did Killian have in contacting the authorities?

4. How do Waterman and Chris differ?

5. What is Krakauer's thesis about Chris?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Wayne Westerberg come to notify the police?

2. Why does Krakauer include the story of Everett Ruess in Chapter 9?

3. Describe Westerberg's comments to Krakauer two months after Chris died.

4. What are some particulars about Alex (Chris) deciding to go to San Diego?

5. Explain why Krakauer traveled to Carthage, South Dakota.

6. What was the relationship Chris developed with the Westerberg family?

7. Discuss Chris's abandonment of his beloved Datsun.

8. Describe the evidence at the opening of Chapter 1 that indicates Chris might have had a premonition about his death.

9. Describe the first indication that Walt and Billie McCandless had of where Chris might be.

10. Why does Krakauer mention the papar at the end of Chapter 9?

(see the answer keys)

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