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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 does the expedition party encounter as they sail along the coast of Guardian Angel Island?
2. What does the expedition party do in the morning of March 30?
3. What does the expedition party do at the island of Tiburon?
4. What observations does Steinbeck note as the party sails on to the Sea of Cortez?
5. Why can't the expedition party stay longer in Guaymas and in the sea?
Short Essay Questions
1. Near Guaymas, the crew feel a little contempt over the fact that the fishermen they see are too spotless in their white outfits. Explain briefly the circumstances and why the crew feel such contempt.
2. Discuss Steinbeck's theory on how a harsh environment makes survivors out of its inhabitants, and how he came to this train of thought.
3. It is mentioned that Tex is getting married and therefore should be watching his weight very keenly. Speculate on Tex's marriage. Why did he agree to sail even when he is getting married? Why can't he stay on a diet to look good on his wedding day?
4. In Marcial Point around noon on Easter Sunday, Steinbeck and Ricketts manage to catch a big, beautiful lobster despite the difficulties they have encountered. How do you think Steinbeck and Ricketts managed to catch this lobster? Speculate on the efforts of the team.
5. Steinbeck and Ricketts willingly accept the offer to go on a big sheep-hunting expedition even though it is apparent that they do not have the desires to hunt any creature. Give a probable explanation as to why the two readily agreed to the invitation in the first place.
6. When the group is discussing the activities of the Japanese dredge boats and trawlers, Steinbeck contradicts himself from his earlier position on food wastage. What is Steinbeck's new position on the food wastage?
7. Sparky and Tiny are always anxious to spend some time in the towns, which they are unable to do in Santa Rosalia. Give probable reasons as to why the two are always looking forward to spending some time in the towns.
8. Briefly explain Steinbeck's feelings towards the whole expedition. Does he feel that the expedition has taught them anything, and is there any particular valuable lesson they have acquired from the trip, apart from scientific learnings?
9. At the port city of Laredo, the members of the expedition team serve as merriment to the local girls. Speculate on the reasons on why this is so and give probable explanations to this happening.
10. Describe Steinbeck and Ricketts' encounter with the ranchers and vacationers, and their consequent big sheep-hunting expedition.
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Steinbeck spends some time wondering whether man's defining trait is hope, that is, hope that the future will be better than today. Do you believe or disagree with Steinbeck's hope, and will his wish happen? What are some instances in the book which illustrates this hope? Similarly, are there instances in the story which seem to illustrate the exact opposite of Steinbeck's hope?
Essay Topic 2
Steinbeck describes how a certain task such as collecting specimen can seem to be so enjoyable and exciting in the beginning, and later turn boring simply because the one performing the task has been at it for a long time. What can be the cause of this change? Is it really man's nature to be "mechanical" over time? Why or why not? Support your answer with instances from the story.
Essay Topic 3
The Log from the Sea of Cortez contains not only information on marine biology but also discussions on philosophy, biology and spirituality, among others. Discuss whether sea voyage or any voyage in particular prompts analytical thinking on life and other sublime topics. Support your answers with examples from the story.
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This section contains 1,573 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) |
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