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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 is the final prerequisite for travelers?

2. Who are the only ones who will understand the inability to control a trip?

3. Where does Steinbeck go to church on his last morning in New England?

4. What does Steinbeck think the waitress is capable of doing?

5. What is the heritage of the Canadians?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What are Steinbeck's musings on junk?

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

6. What is Steinbeck's position on hunting?

7. What causes Steinbeck's wife, Elaine, to shout at him?

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

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

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

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

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

Explain why one of Steinbeck's New York friends had asked Steinbeck to bring back any honest men Steinbeck found on his trip. What was the state of the economy, the government, etc. in America in 1960 that could have benefited from authentic, honest men? Do you think Steinbeck ever found anyone who would have qualified? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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