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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 takes over on Cannery Row?

2. Why do Henri's girlfriends eventually leave him?

3. Where does Henri the Painter live in his imagination?

4. Where did Doc once take a walking trip?

5. What does Mack plan to do once again?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the symbolism of the music in Doc's head when he finds the body of the beautiful dead woman in the water?

2. What impact have Mack and the boys had on the captain?

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

4. How does Mack know that the captain's wife would disapprove of Mack and the boys?

5. What is the irony of the tax troubles Dora experiences?

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

7. Why is Mack impressed by Dora?

8. For what event does Steinbeck use foreshadowing in this chapter?

9. How does Mack perceive Doc?

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

Mack and the boys are forced to be very resourceful. Give some examples of behaviors exhibited by Mack and the boys that indicate they know how to get what they need in spite of their obvious lack of typical resources. Would you say Mack and the boys are creative? Or do they simply use people to avoid work? Do you think you could be friends with Mack and the boys? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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