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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. Who does Sal see that makes him feel that he is closer to Denver?

2. How does Lee Ann feel about Sal staying with her?

3. What does Old Bull Lee warn Sal about?

4. Which of Sal's friends stayed with Sal's aunt while he was away?

5. What happens in Washington D.C. on the return trip from Virginia?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Sal and Terry go to Terry's home town of Sabinal?

2. What does Sal learn about Dean's love life in Denver?

3. Who does Sal meet on the bus from Bakersfield to Los Angeles?

4. Who is "The Ghost?"

5. Why doesn't the driver offer Sal any food on his trip from Pittsburgh to New York?

6. What is Sal's relationship like with Rita Bettencourt?

7. What is the vow Sal and Terry make when Sal leaves for New York?

8. What does Old Bull Lee warn Sal about in New Orleans?

9. Why does Lee Ann throw Remi out of their house?

10. What job does Remi Boncoeur find for, Sal when he arrives in San Francisco?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Friends play a significant role in Sal Paradise's life.

a. As a result of a rift among his friends, Sal is torn between the more established and secure types, like Chad King, and the more frenzied Dean Moriarty and Carlo Marx. How does being torn between friends represent Sal's inner conflicts between being established or rebellious?

b. How do relationships with friends function in Beat culture?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of time in On the Road and include the various views of time to the following groups:

a. Beat time.

b. American time.

c. Mexican time.

d. African-American/jazz time.

e. Dean Moriarty and time.

Essay Topic 3

At the time it was published, On the Road was considered rebellious and obscene. It also exalts criminals, swindlers, drifters, and drug users.

a. What does Sal Paradise find so appealing about the characters and situations he encounters? Why?

b. What distinction would Sal make between being a criminal and having a zest for life, if any?

Cite examples from the book to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 648 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample