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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where did Doc once take a walking trip?

2. What is the mood at the Palace when Mack returns from the lab?

3. Through what time of day does Doc work gathering his gear?

4. What are there few of afoot in the early hours of Cannery Row?

5. Which of the boys have taken jobs at the Hediondo Cannery?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Steinbeck show that Cannery Row is an undesirable part of town?

2. What does Steinbeck mean by "the hour of the pearl" in Chapter 14?

3. How does Mack perceive Doc?

4. How does Mack know that the captain's wife would disapprove of Mack and the boys?

5. Why does Mack initially reject the captain's offer of whiskey?

6. Describe Steinbeck's use of humor in the frog-catching scene.

7. How does Steinbeck show that Doc is one with nature?

8. What are some of the morning rituals on Cannery Row?

9. Which character seems to assimilate the combined woes of everyone in Cannery Row?

10. Why can Doc not get anyone to accompany him on specimen collecting trip to La Jolla?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Model T Ford has importance in the story for the frog-catching expedition of Mack and the boys. What does the car symbolize for Mack and the boys? For its owner, Lee? What significance does Steinbeck say the Model T has on American culture for the past two generations?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Doc. Begin with his physical characteristics and extend into his personality and behavioral traits. What is Doc's role on Cannery Row? What is it about Doc that everybody wants to do something nice for him?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the dead girl that Doc finds floating in the water. Why does Doc's head fill with the escalating sounds of music when he sees her? Why does Doc let the stranger claim the reward for reporting the body? Why does Doc, who is usually very responsible, get away from the scene as quickly as possible?

(see the answer keys)

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