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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. What is the nature of the deal?

2. Why does Frankie not attend school?

3. With whom did Lee consummate a recent business deal?

4. Who is the child who sees something mysterious in the old Chinaman's eyes?

5. How do Mack and the boys furnish their new residence?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Steinbeck call Mack and the boys?

2. How does Lee acquire the Model T Ford?

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

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

5. How does the Bear Flag stay in business even though it is an illegal operation?

6. Explain the relationship between Doc and Frankie.

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

8. How do Mack and the boys manage to "find" dinner while on the road?

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

10. Explain the behavior of the Chinaman.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Doc think Mack is a genius and the boys are all clever? Is this opinion shared by the other residents of Cannery Row? What does Richard Frost think of Mack and the boys? Is his opinion justified? Which position to you take on Mack and the boys? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Steinbeck uses beautifully descriptive language in the book to help his readers see his world from his perspective. Without referring to the book, describe Cannery Row. Now, describe Monterey, using only your recall of Steinbeck's descriptions. How do you visualize the California coast now that you have read Steinbeck's descriptions?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 891 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample