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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 job does Doc assign to Mack?

2. Which one of the boys has the mechanical ability to work on Lee's car?

3. What does Lee's soft heart inspire him to do?

4. Why does Mack awaken the boys early?

5. With whom does Frankie live?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the contents of Eddie's punch.

3. What does Steinbeck call Mack and the boys?

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

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

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

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

8. Describe the Bear Flag Restaurant.

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

10. Explain the relationship between Doc and Frankie.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Steinbeck populates Cannery Row with several eccentric characters. Who are the eccentrics in the novel? What makes them eccentric? Do you have a favorite eccentric in the book? Why? What makes him/her so appealing to you?

Essay Topic 2

How does Steinbeck use the literary technique of local color in Cannery Row? What elements comprise local color? Give some examples of the local color in Cannery Row establishments. In the characters. In the events.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 780 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample