Wilderness Literature Test

1.How does John Muir’s view of the environment differ from that of Aldo Leopold?
A number of the environmental pieces refer to an instinctual connection/attraction to nature. Using at least two examples, discuss the ways in which our authors suggest that we connect to nature on an instinctual level.
In “Man’s Place in the Universe,” John Muir articulates a vision for how human beings should view their place in nature. What does he believe? Use example from the text.
Using at least three sources, make an argument for what should be done to the national parks.
Using at least three sources, make an argument that either society or individuals are the most important factors in changing our attitude about the environment.
Either defend or critique Rachel Carson’s call for the elimination of DDT.
Chief Seattle asked, “what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lovely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night?” and Emerson argues that the solitude of nature is essential for the soul. Using these and at least one more source, discuss the argument that nature is necessary for a healthy soul.
Explain Aldo Leopold’s idea of the Land Ethic.
How does Henry David Thoreau use his examination of nature to explain human behavior?
A number of the pieces refer to the concept of time and its relationship to environmentalism. Analyze this argument, using at least three pieces.
Use at least three pieces to demonstrate how satire can be effectively used to advance the argument for the environment.
Using at least three authors, one of whom should be Emerson, discuss how the power of nature serves to put human life and troubles in perspective.
Edward Abbey’s defense of the natural world differs greatly from the other authors we’ve studied. Identify some key arguments that set him apart from the rest.
Either defend or critique Rachel Carson’s call for the elimination of DDT.
Which of the philosophers and authors that we studied were best embodied by the life of Alexander Super Tramp. Use at least two.
One of the major critiques of environmentalists is that we have redefined progress in a damaging way. Using at least three authors, discuss this critique of “progress.”