English 291: Literature of the Environment
Discussion questions for Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire

Make a list of possible discussion topics. Consider, perhaps:

Abbey compared to Thoreau: "Solitude" vs. "Solitaire"

What is Eco-Defense? Does Abbey's argument make sense?

technology as a form of alienation from nature: Compare to Krakauer (p. 15)

Abbey stoning the rabbit: compare to Leopold shooting the wolves (pp. 41-42)

the "meaning(lessness)" of nature (pp. 44-45)

manhood found in working out in nature...(p. 50)

progress seen as insanity: compare this to Le Guin and/or Krakauer? (p. 58)

Abbey's polemic about Industrial Tourism? (automobiles as wheelchairs...)

The Frontier/Frontierism

The Moon-Eyed horse as a symbol of nature.