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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. Bryson dislikes the new _______ of the Smithsonian.

2. What does the apothecary shop in Colonial Williamsburg sell?

3. Why does Bryson want to go to the hotel calling for "proper attire"?

4. What is the problem with Cooperstown which prevents it from being Bryson's "perfect town"?

5. How does Bryson know about the skis and tennis rackets in Hal and Lucia's closet?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Bryson's mother patient?

2. What did Bryson realize on a family trip when he witnessed a shooting?

3. Why is Bryson so afraid of New York?

4. Is Bryson sympathetic to impoverished people? Why or why not?

5. What revelation about poverty does Bryson have in Vermont?

6. Why does Bryson have a problem with the Vanderbilts?

7. In visiting Colonial Williamsburg, how does Bryson feel about tourism?

8. What is the unspoken connection with travelers?

9. Why is Bryson relieved to be back in Iowa?

10. How does Bryson feel after visiting Gettysburg? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bryson's journey is a personal one. Dissect claims Bryson makes about himself and others versus what his actions,etc. say is true.

Essay Topic 2

A majority of Bryson's trip is centered around sightseeing. Discuss tourism as a tool in Bryson's journey of discovering America and self-discovery.

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.

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