- 1. The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen is a profound and reflective narrative that chronicles the author's journey into the remote mountains of Nepal in the early 1970s, as he embarks on an expedition to study the elusive snow leopard and to find inner peace following the death of his wife. The book intertwines themes of nature, spirituality, and introspection, as Matthiessen grapples with existential questions while navigating the breathtaking yet harsh landscape of the Himalayas. Through his encounters with the local people, specifically the Buddhist monks, and the majestic wildlife, he reflects on Buddhist philosophy and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The compelling prose captures the magnificence of the snow leopard itself, a symbol of mystery and grace, while also delving into Matthiessen's personal journey of grief and self-discovery. The Snow Leopard transcends a mere travelogue; it is an exploration of the human condition, the search for meaning, and a meditation on the fragile beauty of the natural world.
Who is the field biologist that accompanies Matthiessen on his expedition?
A) Sir Edmund Hillary
B) George Schaller
C) David Attenborough
D) Tenzing Norgay
- 2. The journey is also a spiritual quest influenced by Matthiessen's practice of what?
A) Hinduism
B) Zen Buddhism
C) Christianity
D) Taoism
- 3. What is the name of the remote Himalayan region they are traveling to?
A) Bhutan
B) Tibet
C) Dolpo
D) Katmandu
- 4. What is the primary prey animal that Schaller is studying?
A) Yak
B) Bharal (blue sheep)
C) Mountain goat
D) Markhor
- 5. Matthiessen's journey is also shaped by the recent death of his:
A) Expedition partner
B) Child
C) Wife
D) Father
- 6. The Crystal Mountain is a sacred site for which religion?
A) Buddhism
B) Islam
C) Judaism
D) Shinto
- 7. The book is structured as a:
A) Journal
B) Historical novel
C) Collection of short stories
D) Biography
A) Mountain peak
B) Snow leopard den
C) Buddhist monastery
D) Village market
- 9. The book won which major literary award?
A) Pulitzer Prize
B) Man Booker Prize
C) National Book Award
D) Nobel Prize in Literature
- 10. What is the local name for the blue sheep?
A) Sha
B) Naur
C) Tahr
D) Bharal
- 11. The expedition takes place during which season?
A) Spring
B) Summer
C) Winter
D) Autumn
- 12. What physical challenge is a constant of the journey?
A) Lack of water
B) Extreme heat
C) Altitude sickness
D) Attacks by wild animals
- 13. Matthiessen's previous profession, besides writer, was:
A) A doctor
B) A university professor
C) A politician
D) A commercial fisherman
- 14. The book was first published in what decade?
A) 1980s
B) 1960s
C) 1970s
D) 1950s
- 15. A central philosophical concept in the book is:
A) Nihilism
B) Impermanence
C) Absolutism
D) Hedonism
- 16. What does the journey reveal about the goal of seeing the snow leopard?
A) The quest is more important than the goal
B) The goal was not worth the effort
C) The goal was easily achieved
D) The goal was never possible
- 17. The journey is a spiritual pilgrimage to which mountain, sacred in Tibetan Buddhism?
A) Mount Everest
B) Crystal Mountain
C) K2
D) Annapurna
- 18. What elusive animal becomes the symbolic focus of Matthiessen's quest?
A) The snow leopard
B) The red panda
C) The Tibetan wolf
D) The yeti
- 19. What is the name of the Tibetan New Year festival mentioned in the book?
A) Diwali
B) Losar
C) Holi
D) Wesak
- 20. The book intertwines the physical journey with what other kind of journey?
A) An inner, spiritual journey
B) A culinary exploration
C) A historical analysis of trade routes
D) A political investigation
- 21. What is the name of the monastery at Crystal Mountain?
A) Rumtek Monastery
B) Key Gompa
C) Tengboche Monastery
D) Shey Gompa
- 22. What does Matthiessen suggest is the true value of the journey?
A) The fame from writing a book
B) The maps they created
C) The experience itself and the insights gained
D) The scientific data collected
- 23. What is the status of the snow leopard as a species?
A) Not a real animal
B) Extinct
C) Endangered
D) Common
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