Assignment: The Monkey Wrench Gang Writing Assignment

Answer the following questions with an essay for each. Your answers for each question should be about two-thirds to one page (single-spaced). Use specific examples from the book. Use character names and describe situations, use quotes from the book when appropriate and helpful. Research the issues when necessary to answer the questions.

1. Describe how The Monkey Wrench Gang could inspire or provoke several generations of protesters, from the group Earth First! to the Earth Liberation Front. Consider how the novel reflected actual environmental concerns and how it might appeal to a radical movement.

2. Discuss the environmental rhetoric that Edward Abbey uses in The Monkey Wrench Gang and what it reveals about Abbey the author. How is his approach different from (or similar to) that of Rachel Carson in Silent Spring?

3. Several new terms, or new definitions of terms, sprang from or evolved out of this book, including ecotage, ecoterrorism and monkeywrenching itself. What do these terms mean and do you agree or disagree with the approaches they represent in terms of solving environmental problems?

4. It is 40 years since the publication of The Monkey Wrench Gang. What, if anything, about the novel is outdated? What about the novel is still relevant today? Explain the reasons behind your answers.