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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 happens to the boiler?

2. What is the name of Dora's business?

3. What is the name of the old Chinaman who walks through Cannery Row every day?

4. What type of business does Lee Chong own?

5. How long does it take eleven-year-old Frankie to enter Doc's lab and speak to Doc?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Doc's personal characteristics.

3. Describe Dora Flood.

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

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

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

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

8. What is Gay's special talent?

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

10. Describe Lee Chong's business.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 788 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample