Edward Abbey uses a vast amount of description in the novel related to nature and the world around the character, Henry Lightcap. Why do you think Abbey uses nature almost as a character? What purpose does this serve? What are Abbey's goals in this? Is he successful? Why or why not?

Henry is a womanizer and often cheats on his wives. Does learning about Claire change how you view Henry in regard to his treatment of women? Why or why not? Did he cheat on Claire? Why or why not? Do you think Claire's death has any relation on his treatment of women later in life? Why or why not?

Myra, Henry's first wife, leaves him and is impregnated by another man. She then asks Henry to take responsibility for the baby and for her, which he tries to do. In the end, Henry...