View a FREE sample

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 Pirate sell every day?

2. Where does Pilon move?

3. Danny is interested in the woman in #23 because she ________________________.

4. What does Danny ask Pilon?

5. What do the men try to learn from Pirate?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the Pirate and what does Pilon learn about his daily routine?

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

3. What does the town of Tortilla Flat seem to thrive on and how do the paisanos feel about Danny's love interest?

4. Why do the paisanos follow the Pirate every morning?

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

6. How does Pilon try to convince the Pirate to come live in the house with the paisanos?

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

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

9. How does the author use foreshadowing when Pilon and Pablo are talking about deceased friends?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Overall, the residents of Tortilla Flat become one big family. Describe the elements necessary to comprise a family. Explain some of the ways that the Tortilla Flat family is dysfunctional. Explain some of the ways that the Tortilla Flat family is quite normal.

Essay Topic 2

Explain Steinbeck's use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where he did.

Essay Topic 3

Steinbeck is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 958 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample