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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. Why is Steinbeck forced to turn back?

2. Why does Steinbeck decide not to visit a friend in Louisiana?

3. What does Steinbeck call the previous guest of a hotel room he waits in temporarily?

4. To Steinbeck, Texas is not so much a place as a _________________________.

5. Where does Steinbeck go to reminisce with an old friend?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Steinbeck's intention for stopping at Sauk Centre, Minnesota?

2. Why does Steinbeck fall in love with Montana?

3. What dashes Steinbeck's hopes for a good visit with his family?

4. What has Steinbeck learned about America so far?

5. What is the irony of the situation Steinbeck encounters at the Canadian border?

6. What effect is the Cold War having on average Americans?

7. What has Steinbeck noticed about America so far on his trip?

8. How does Steinbeck justify his opinion that the river crossing at Bismarck is the true demarcation between east and west?

9. What does Steinbeck learn about truckers when he takes breaks at roadside rest stops?

10. What does Steinbeck admire most about Texans?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is Steinbeck changed after a Sunday morning service in a small Vermont town? What impresses him about the experience? Does Steinbeck prefer fire and brimstone over vague, feel-good preaching? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Explain Steinbeck's interest in writer, Sinclair Lewis. What are Steinbeck's feelings about the people in Lewis' hometown who rejected him for writing the book Main Street, but now elevate his prior citizenship after Lewis is dead? Can you tell Steinbeck's feelings about hypocrisy? Could that be part of the reason Steinbeck does not stop to see Lewis' birthplace even though he is close? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 790 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample