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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. Where did Doc once take a walking trip?

2. What does Doc know very well?

3. Near Los Angeles, what does Doc load up on after he eats a hearty chicken dinner?

4. Which two boys play in the boat works yard by the railroad tracks?

5. What type of hat does Henri the Painter wear?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the morning rituals on Cannery Row?

2. What is ironic about Henri the Painter?

3. How does Doc respond to Mack's request to know Doc's birth date?

4. How does Mack extract the date of Doc's birthday?

5. How does Steinbeck show that Cannery Row is an undesirable part of town?

6. Why does Mack initially reject the captain's offer of whiskey?

7. What bet does Doc make with Frost on the Fourth of July?

8. Why can Doc not get anyone to accompany him on specimen collecting trip to La Jolla?

9. Which character seems to assimilate the combined woes of everyone in Cannery Row?

10. How does Mack perceive Doc?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Why does Doc think Mack is a genius and the boys are all clever? Is this opinion shared by the other residents of Cannery Row? What does Richard Frost think of Mack and the boys? Is his opinion justified? Which position to you take on Mack and the boys? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the dead girl that Doc finds floating in the water. Why does Doc's head fill with the escalating sounds of music when he sees her? Why does Doc let the stranger claim the reward for reporting the body? Why does Doc, who is usually very responsible, get away from the scene as quickly as possible?

(see the answer keys)

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