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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. What is the business of Western Biological Laboratories?

3. What do the boys hit in Lee's car?

4. Who is the leader of a small group of homeless men?

5. As a result of his generosity and sympathy, people want to ________________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the significance of Lao Tze's philosophies in the story?

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

5. How does Lee acquire the Model T Ford?

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

7. Describe the contents of Eddie's punch.

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

9. What does Steinbeck call Mack and the boys?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mack and the boys are a band of homeless men who live together in a warehouse they name the Palace Flophouse. Why do Mack and the boys become like a family after a while? How do they exhibit behaviors inherent in families? What lessons is Steinbeck trying to teach about the various ways that families can be created, outside of the obvious biological combinations?

Essay Topic 2

Overall, the residents of Cannery Row become one big family. Describe the elements necessary to comprise a family. Explain some of the ways that the Cannery Row family is dysfunctional. Explain some of the ways that the Cannery Row family is quite normal.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 813 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample