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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. What does Bryson say he, like all midwesterners, love?

2. Where is Bryson forced to eat in Carbondale?

3. In Bryson's road-trip, what does he desire to find?

4. Bryson states that people who pass through Des Moines and stay for years are confused, but _____ in their decision.

5. What does Bryson first notice when crossing the line to North Carolina?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Abe Lincoln's home more fun for Bryson and his generation that it is for the youth of today?

2. What is the most fun Bryson can have in Carbondale?

3. How does Bryson generalize towns from his youth?

4. What was the effect of Bryson's "disturbed and erratic" childhood?

5. What do Bryson's expectations in revisiting his grandparents' home say about him?

6. Why does Bryson like Tupelo?

7. What is the greatest barrier Bryson faces in southern towns?

8. What inspired Bryson's trip?

9. How does Bryson feel about signs and billboards?

10. Do people ever get out of Des Moines, according to Bryson? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Aside from sightseeing, Bryson is very concerned with his natural surroundings in both their glory and inadequacy. Discuss how Bryson uses the environment to convey his views of regions and America as a whole.

Essay Topic 2

Bryson embarks on this trip alone, but with the objective of reminiscing about his youth and family. Discuss Bryson's conflict between his family unit and his independent nature. Which does he prefer? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Part of Bryson's motive for travel is to rediscover the land of his youth. In his travels, he makes many scathing remarks about the youth of today. Discuss Bryson's relationship with the idea of youth: his love and criticism of it.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 811 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample