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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. Danny feels both anger and _____________ that his second house has burned down.

2. With what sweet treat does Pilon attempt to be friendly with the Pirate?

3. Where does Pilon move?

4. For whom is Pilon digging for treasure?

5. What do Pilon and Pablo wish it would rain from the sky?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does Jesus Maria Corcoran become the next tenant in the second house?

7. Which woman is Danny interested in and what is the attraction?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nature takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Steinbeck uses beautifully descriptive language in the book to help his readers see his world from his perspective. Without referring to the book, describe Tortilla Flat. Now, describe Monterey, using only your recall of Steinbeck's descriptions. How do you visualize the California coast now that you have read Steinbeck's TORTILLA FLAT.

Essay Topic 3

Although the residents of Tortilla Flat live on the fringe of acceptable society, they take care of each other. What is the bond between the residents of Tortilla Flat that makes them want to help each other even when others won't? Is there a common denominator among the Tortilla Flat residents that they recognize themselves in each other? Explain some situations in the book where the Tortilla Flat residents exhibit humanity toward one another.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 941 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample