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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. Why does Guy not use his mechanical abilities on the machines in the canneries?

2. What is the business of Western Biological Laboratories?

3. What part time job does Eddie do?

4. Why does Lee make the decision he does about the building?

5. What happens when the boiler at the answer to #51 stops working?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Gay when the needle valve breaks on the car?

2. Why is Doc leery of Mack's request for money?

3. Describe the Bear Flag Restaurant.

4. Explain the relationship between Doc and Frankie.

5. What is Gay's special talent?

6. Why does Mack has a twinge of guilt about the frog mission?

7. It would be impractical to use the building to store groceries, so what does Lee do with the building?

8. Describe the building where Western Biological Laboratories is located.

9. What becomes the pride and joy in the Palace for Mack and the boys?

10. Describe Dora Flood.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although the residents of Cannery Row live on the fringe of acceptable society, they take care of each other. What is the bond between the residents of Cannery Row that makes them want to help each other even when others won't? Is there a common denominator among the Cannery Row residents that they recognize themselves in each other? Explain some situations in the book where the Cannery Row residents exhibit humanity toward one another.

Essay Topic 2

Describe Dora Flood. What is her role on Cannery Row? Why does Steinbeck say she is loved by the intelligent, the learned, and the kind? Why is she hated by "married spinsters," whose husbands are attracted to the whore house? Is Dora the classic whore with a heart of gold?

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)

This section contains 889 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample