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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 when he breaks camp the next morning?

2. In what direction does Steinbeck head on his first day?

3. What does Steinbeck think is the trouble with New England voices?

4. What does Steinbeck name his camper?

5. What does Steinbeck consider himself to be?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What have older people always told Steinbeck?

5. Describe some of the things that Steinbeck packs.

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

7. What does Steinbeck share with the adults in the Canadian family as a gesture of good will?

8. Explain how Steinbeck interjects humor into the book.

9. Explain the irony in the scene in which Steinbeck discusses politics with the egg farmer.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Explain some of the examples of regionalism found in the book. Can regionalism include more than accents and food? What else encompasses the culture and personality of a region? What are the major differences Steinbeck finds as he travels from place to place?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 811 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample