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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. With what gadget is Rocinante equipped?

2. What is the first prerequisite for travelers?

3. Who wants to accompany Steinbeck on the trip?

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

5. What does Steinbeck do single-handedly on his boat?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Steinbeck's requirements for this state of journeying--or bumdom as he calls it?

2. What is John Steinbeck's view on the journey he is about to take?

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

4. What are Steinbeck's musings on junk?

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

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

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

8. What have older people always told Steinbeck?

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

10. How does Steinbeck respond to his friends' concerns about the dangers of road travel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Steinbeck is a master of crafting literary descriptions for his readers. Choose a paragraph from the book which you find especially descriptive. How do you think Steinbeck was able to craft it the way he did? What is so appealing to you about the passage? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Steinbeck's writing style. How is he different from other writers of his time? What are some of his characteristic writing techniques? Identify some examples of his classic style in this book.

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