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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. How has Dora managed to stay in business for so many years?

2. Where do the boys stop to get their frogs?

3. Who is the owner and operator of Western Biological Laboratories?

4. Why does Doc go to La Jolla?

5. What do Mack and the boys call their new residence?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain the behavior of the Chinaman.

3. How doe Mack's wits keep the boys out of trouble when they are approached by a large man with a pointer dog?

4. Describe Doc's physical appearance.

5. What happens to spur Mack and the boys into fixing up the Palace Flophouse?

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

7. Explain the irony in Mack's telling Doc that he and the boys need money for a good cause.

8. How does Lee acquire another building?

9. What is the irony of Hazel's name?

10. Explain the relationship between Doc and Frankie.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the Chinaman who runs back and forth from Cannery Row each morning and evening? Does the Chinaman represent Death? Does he represent God, or does he represent the burgeoning Asian population in this party of the country? Explain your position.

Essay Topic 2

Frankie is an ill-fated character in the book. What is Frankie's role in the story? Why does Steinbeck interject him into the plot? What does he come to represent for Doc, especially? Are you surprised by Frankie's ultimate fate?

Essay Topic 3

What does Doc discover about truth on his walking trip from Indiana to Florida during his college days? Why do you think people do not want to believe Doc's real reasons for walking? Why does Doc need to fabricate a story about his journey? Why does Steinbeck call truth a dangerous mistress?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 820 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample