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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Steinbeck, every journey has its own __________________.
(a) deadline
(b) price
(c) personality
(d) climax

2. Who is the first person Steinbeck meets on his trip?
(a) A gas station attendant
(b) A policeman
(c) A sailor
(d) A waitress

3. According to Steinbeck, _____________ is the greater part of recognition.
(a) context
(b) news coverage
(c) likeability
(d) a handsome face

4. What does Steinbeck think as the date for his departure approaches?
(a) Something will happen to delay or cancel the trip.
(b) He does not have enough film.
(c) He might consider taking a companion.
(d) He should reconsider his itinerary.

5. What is Steinbeck's wife's name?
(a) Eleanor
(b) Eileen
(c) Ellen
(d) Elaine

Short Answer Questions

1. Where has Steinbeck's friend made a reservation for him?

2. What does Steinbeck hope to accomplish on the trip?

3. What does Steinbeck share with the adults in the family?

4. To what does Steinbeck compare the futility of trying to control a trip?

5. What material is everything in the motel made of, with the exception of the bedding and curtains?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Steinbeck encounter that particularly unnerves him?

2. What urge has Steinbeck felt all his life?

3. Describe some of the things that Steinbeck packs.

4. What are Steinbeck's requirements for this state of journeying--or bumdom as he calls it?

5. What is Steinbeck's purpose for taking this trip?

6. How does Steinbeck communicate in the book?

7. Explain how Steinbeck interjects humor into the book.

8. Why does Steinbeck decide not to take a human traveling companion?

9. What does Steinbeck think about the personality of each journey?

10. What does Steinbeck's 13-year-old neighbor boy symbolize?

(see the answer keys)

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