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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. According to John Steinbeck, what does a rusting, disorderly boat with its pain peeling off indicate?
2. According to John Steinbeck, what does a well-cared for and lovingly maintained boat indicate?
3. What happens when Steinbeck and Ricketts photograph the bonito and other fish?
4. What do Steinbeck and Ricketts buy that was eventually taken by US customs?
5. What do Steinbeck and Ricketts do on Easter Sunday?
Short Essay Questions
1. Steinbeck hints at Tiny's stories of his past as being too racy to be repeated in the book. Speculate on Tiny's past. What could his stories be about and why can't it be repeated in the book?
2. Briefly explain Steinbeck's theory on "murdering" a boat.
3. Briefly discuss how Tony's personality is impressed upon the team members as they take turns manning the wheel.
4. Describe the activities of the expedition party on the eve of their departure. Speculate on the feelings of the team members on this particular night.
5. Describe the Sea-Cow and how did it get its name? How does the expedition party relate to it? Does the expedition party treat the Sea-Cow fairly?
6. Describe San Jose Island and how it appears to the expedition party. Give an explanation to the things that the party see when they try to go ashore in the island.
7. Tiny and Sparky are described as almost two halves of one person. Make some speculations on their appearance and characters in general.
8. The expedition party reaches the town of San Lucas. Describe the town as mentioned by Steinbeck, and add your own theories on how the town looks and feels like.
9. Build on Steinbeck's theory of why the expedition members do not want to catch and cook porpoises.
10. How does Steinbeck compare staying on course at sea to achieving a goal in life?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Steinbeck makes the analogy of trying to keep a straight course to achieving ideals in life. Please discuss this analogy further. What are the similarities and differences of the two? In both cases, what attitudes and behaviors are desirable? On the other hand, what attitudes and behaviors should one avoid?
Essay Topic 2
The story ends with the Western Flyer heading back to its point of origin. Steinbeck notes that they do not fully understand everything that they have experienced, and will surely take time for them to do so. Explain what Steinbeck means with this statement. What does he mean when he says "new way of thinking, living and being"?
Essay Topic 3
Steinbeck uses many graphic comparisons in the book, such as the personification of a boat by man, the personification of the marine life, among others. Do you agree with Steinbeck's analogy? Why or why not? What other analogies can be used to describe the author's many observations in the story?
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This section contains 1,399 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) |
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