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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 is St. Andrew's Eve?

2. Where does Big Joe Portagee spend half his civilian life?

3. What word meaning "friend" is used in TORTILLA FLAT?

4. The unused bra will now be a gift for whom?

5. Pilon and Pablo bring Danny _____________ and the pink bra as a peace offering.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Big Joe Portagee become a tenant in Danny's house?

2. What is Big Joe's experience with Pilon on St. Andrew's Eve?

3. What is the reason for Danny's becoming drunk and disorderly and what is his sentence?

4. What happens to Jesus Maria and what inspiration does Pilon have for the pink bra?

5. Why does Pilon think he will find the treasure in the St. Andrew's Eve dig?

6. How do the paisanos try to make peace with Danny?

7. Describe how Pilon and Joe dig for their treasure and what do they find?

8. Who does Danny invite to live with him in his house?

9. What do the paisanos learn is in the Pirates' canvas bag and what is done with the bag at the house?

10. How does Pilon rationalize not getting any gold for Danny?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Steinbeck clearly likes to have fun with his readers. Name some examples of humor in this book. Which characters are especially prone to humorous behavior? Which are not? Why does Steinbeck use humor? Is he trying to balance somber stories or does he just find life to be funny most of the time, at least in this story?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

The paisanos are a band of homeless men who live together in Danny's house. Why do Danny and the boys become like a family after awhile? How do they exhibit behaviors inherent in families? What lessons is Steinbeck trying to teach about the various ways that families can be created, outside of the obvious biological combinations?

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This section contains 971 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample