View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Of what does the sight of a nuclear submarine remind Steinbeck?

2. Where has Steinbeck's friend made a reservation for him?

3. What is wrong with Steinbeck's travel to these cities?

4. How does Steinbeck meet a Canadian family?

5. What is the traveler's second prerequisite for traveling?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Steinbeck encounter that particularly unnerves him?

2. What happens to disrupt the launch of Steinbeck's trip?

3. Describe New England voices.

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

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

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

7. What is Steinbeck's position on hunting?

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

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

10. What is Steinbeck's start date for his trip?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain why Steinbeck thinks that people are basically nomads at heart. Do most people favor putting down roots or moving around? What are the benefits and drawbacks to both ways of life? Why does the development of the mobile home increase options for Americans?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Steinbeck is amazed by all the garbage dumps and junk yards he sees along the way. What would Steinbeck's perception be if he were to encounter the waste management system in America today? What would he say about the sheer volume of consumption and waste in America today? Would Steinbeck be a vocal recycling proponent?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 831 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample