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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 has Steinbeck become over the years?

2. With what was the vehicle outfitted?

3. Of what is Steinbeck an avid collector?

4. How does Steinbeck meet a Canadian family?

5. What infuriates Steinbeck about a neighbor's boat anchoring prior to the storm?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Steinbeck communicate in the book?

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

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

4. What is Steinbeck's position on hunting?

5. What are Steinbeck's musings on junk?

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

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

8. Describe some of the things that Steinbeck packs.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Rocinante, the camper. Why did Steinbeck choose this name for his vehicle? Do you think Steinbeck envisioned himself to be a Don Quixote-like character?

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

What is Charley's role on the trip? Why does Steinbeck take a dog instead of a human on such an extended journey? What is the relationship between Steinbeck and Charley? Cite some examples that indicate the nature of their friendship.

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