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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 did Lee acquire the car?

2. How does Lee's car make it over Carmel Hill?

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

4. What are the ingredients of Eddie's special punch?

5. Where is Western Biological Laboratories located?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Explain the relationship between Doc and Frankie.

6. What does Steinbeck think has changed America dramatically in only two generations?

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

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

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

10. What does Steinbeck call Mack and the boys?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Describe the character of Lee Chong. How does Lee conduct his business and his life? Why is he such an important figure on Cannery Row? What does he represent to the other characters in the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 828 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample