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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through March 16.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is unique about the expedition described in the story?
(a) There is a four-string quartet on deck that provides music at night, for entertainment.
(b) There is a priest on board who discusses philosophy and spirituality.
(c) There is nothing unique about the expedition.
(d) The travelers here prefer safety and getting the job done to encounters of a more colorful and dangerous nature.

2. What type of biologist is preferred by John Steinbeck?
(a) The type who study dead, preserved animals.
(b) The type who studies life in all its complexities.
(c) The type who teaches in the university.
(d) The type who work for the big corporations.

3. What do Tiny and Sparky do while they are on watch?
(a) They take turns scratching each other's back.
(b) They pay more attention to fishing than to the sailing of the ship.
(c) They play card games, making the boat sail the wrong way.
(d) Tiny plays the guitar while Sparky sings.

4. What does the expedition party do on their last night ashore when their boat is ready and loaded?
(a) They sleep early in preparation for the journey.
(b) They take part in the celebration games.
(c) They drink wine all night and play cards.
(d) They pray the rosary.

5. What does the expedition party do on their first night at sea?
(a) They identify the different constellation and gave a price on who can name the most.
(b) They play cards while drinking beer.
(c) They sing love songs and read poems to the stars.
(d) They stay out to look at the stars while taking turns on the helm.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the Western Flyer?

2. What happens when Steinbeck and Ricketts photograph the bonito and other fish?

3. According to John Steinbeck, what does a rusting, disorderly boat with its pain peeling off indicate?

4. What does the author describe in the story, particularly at the beginning of the book?

5. What does the log entry of March 12 say?

(see the answer key)

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