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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. Aside from the unpleasant family visit, how does Steinbeck find the Monterey Peninsula?
(a) It is much dirtier than he remembered.
(b) It is sadly declining.
(c) It is too industrialized to suit him.
(d) It is more attractive but has lost its sense of wildness.

2. What impresses Steinbeck with its strange rock formations?
(a) The Wisconsin Dells
(b) Yosemite
(c) The Grand Canyon
(d) Mount Rushmore

3. In what city in Louisiana does Steinbeck decide to stop?
(a) New Orleans
(b) Thibodaux
(c) Natchitoches
(d) Baton Rouge

4. What is the occupation of Steinbeck's camping neighbor for the night?
(a) A Shakesperian performer
(b) An auto executive
(c) A farming implements salesman
(d) A plastics salesman

5. What quality do the people of #126 have that is so appealing to Steinbeck?
(a) They don't talk much.
(b) They are stubborn.
(c) They talk easily.
(d) They are easygoing.

Short Answer Questions

1. Near what river does Steinbeck spend the night?

2. What historical attraction does Steinbeck visit in Montana?

3. What starts to slow Steinbeck's progress?

4. To what does Steinbeck liken the group's verbal taunts?

5. What beauty does Steinbeck see at sunset?

Short Essay Questions

1. What philosophical thoughts does Steinbeck have when he passes into Idaho?

2. What effect is the Cold War having on average Americans?

3. What is the irony of the situation Steinbeck encounters at the Canadian border?

4. What has Steinbeck learned about America so far?

5. How does Steinbeck diffuse a father and son fight when he rents a cabin one night?

6. How does Steinbeck justify his opinion that the river crossing at Bismarck is the true demarcation between east and west?

7. Why does Steinbeck fall in love with Montana?

8. What two national attractions does Steinbeck visit before leaving Montana?

9. Why is Steinbeck conflicted as he leaves Texas and heads for Louisiana?

10. Why does Steinbeck believe in what author Thomas Wolfe meant when he wrote, "You Can't Go Home Again?"

(see the answer keys)

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