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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. Where does Steinbeck go to church on his last morning in New England?

2. Where was Charley trained?

3. The same person going over the same route twice experiences _______________________________.

4. What does Steinbeck think the waitress is capable of doing?

5. What do some of the migrant families use for shelter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how Steinbeck interjects humor into the book.

2. What is so depressing about Steinbeck's stop in Bangor?

3. What angers Steinbeck about some neighboring boats anchored close to his just prior to the hurricane?

4. What is Steinbeck's explanation for the junk yards and garbage dumps surrounding the small towns and villages through which he passes?

5. Why does Steinbeck ignore his doctors' advice following an illness the previous year?

6. Describe Charley.

7. Why are Steinbeck's friends concerned for his safety on the road?

8. What is ironic about Steinbeck being an American writer?

9. What urge has Steinbeck felt all his life?

10. What misgivings does Steinbeck experience as the day of his departure approaches?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Steinbeck push past the hesitancy he feels about making the trip? Why does he make the trip even though he will be leaving the comforts of home in place of desolation and loneliness? What is it about people like Steinbeck whose curiosity trumps comfort?

Essay Topic 2

Why do Steinbeck's friends caution him about being a celebrity on the road? Why is Steinbeck's answer so very "Steinbeck"? Explain the differences between being a celebrity today as opposed to 1960 when Steinbeck made this trip.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Lonesome Harry. How does Steinbeck know Lonesome Harry without ever having met the man? Is Steinbeck envious of Lonesome Harry? Or does he feel pity for him? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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