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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 do single-handedly on his boat?

2. What does Steinbeck buy at a farmhouse?

3. When does Steinbeck plan to set off on his journey?

4. What happens when the eye of the storm passes?

5. What does Steinbeck not like about hunting?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Charley.

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

4. What does Steinbeck discover about the French Canadians in northern Maine?

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

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

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

8. What have older people always told Steinbeck?

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

10. Describe Steinbeck's encounter with the young sailor.

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

Envision the encounter between Steinbeck and the Shakespearean performer. How do you envision the performer to look? How does he behave? Based on Steinbeck's low-key, unassuming nature, do you think Steinbeck enjoys the theatrics of this man? Or is he annoyed by the overuse of drama? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Give some examples of humor in the book. Do you think Steinbeck appreciates slapstick humor or wit of a more sophisticated nature? Or both? Explain.

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