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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 was Dean Moriarty living before he was first introduced to Sal Paradise in New York?

2. Where does Dean want to travel before his divorce with Marylou?

3. What New York hitchhiker does Sal meet in Des Moines?

4. In Des Moines, Sal experiences the distinction of the East of his youth and the West of his __________________. (fill in the blank)

5. Why do Sal and his friends leave the party in Central City?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Sal react after he introduces Dean Moriarty to Carlo Marx?

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

4. What does Sal confess to Dean while traveling from New Jersey to Virginia?

5. What is the wildest ride of Sal's journey?

6. Who is traveling with Mississippi Gene?

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

8. What favor does Remi ask Lee Ann before he moves out of their house?

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

10. When and where does Sal meet up with Dean after living in Denver?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Des Moines, Sal experiences the distinction of the East of his youth and the West of his future.

a. What does the West represent to Sal?

b. Contrast his life when he is living on the east coast and when he is living out west.

c. How have his voyages changed his views on life?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Sal has views about different groups who were marginalized in mid-20th century America. What are his views on these groups? Are there any differences among categories of people? If so, why? Cite specific examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 604 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample