Essay Questions

Wilderness preservation is the sacred responsibility of human beings. Substantiate this statement using the book Desert Solitaire.

Abbey was a dedicated park ranger in the 1950s, and throughout his career, he learned that wild animals love their environment, and there is no way they can destroy it. Wildness preservation or destruction is in the hands of man. Abbey realizes that human beings must be regulated and guided on how to handle wildlife. For instance, Abbey writes how he directed tourists to leave their vehicles at designated points to avoid disturbing fauna and flora's natural life. Abbey advocated for wilderness preservation during his time despite the topic being controversial during that time. Abbey's efforts on wilderness preservation are evident in most modern Parks in America because there are standard procedures all tourists must follow before entering the parks.

What is the symbolic meaning of the title 'Desert Solitaire'?

The title of the book symbolizes human destruction of the natural environment. The author says that wilderness has peace of mind in its natural state, but human interference creates an imbalance. For instance, the author explains that water quality in the desert is enough to sustain the ecological system. However, human beings are keen on initiating development in the desert, resulting in pollution and endanger the ecosystem.

Greed and the desire to accrue wealth notwithstanding nature conservation are significant concerns in the book 'Solitaire Desert.' Sow how Abbey uses the imagery of nature to prove the above statement.

Abbey discusses the negative impact of industrialization around state parks in Utah. For instance, the author is concerned about the rampant pollution, which creates an imbalance in the natural environment. According to Abbey, human beings are insensitive to nature, and their primary concern is to create wealth regardless of their impact on the ecosystem. Air pollution is a result of uncontrolled industrialization, and in the long-run, it affects the quality of water and air, which are vital for the survival of the ecosystem.