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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. What does Steinbeck name his camper?

2. Steinbeck writes, "We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; _______________________

3. What book does Steinbeck read as he drinks coffee at a rest area?

4. What is Steinbeck's purpose for taking the trip?

5. Why does Steinbeck essentially ignore his doctors' advice?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What urge has Steinbeck felt all his life?

3. Explain how Steinbeck interjects humor into the book.

4. Describe New England voices.

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

6. How does Steinbeck communicate in the book?

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

8. Describe some of the things that Steinbeck packs.

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

10. What have older people always told Steinbeck?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is Steinbeck changed after a Sunday morning service in a small Vermont town? What impresses him about the experience? Does Steinbeck prefer fire and brimstone over vague, feel-good preaching? Explain.

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

Explain why Steinbeck looks forward to a visit to his hometown. What happens during the visit with his family? With an old friend? Why does Steinbeck think he disappointed them? How did they disappoint him? Explain.

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