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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 does Steinbeck consider the river crossing at Bismarck to be?

2. Whose birthplace is Steinbeck anxious to visit?

3. What does Steinbeck enjoy in Idaho?

4. What starts to slow Steinbeck's progress?

5. To what political party does Steinbeck belong?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the rock with the mica in it so important to Steinbeck?

2. Why does Steinbeck fall in love with Montana?

3. What philosophical thoughts does Steinbeck have when he passes into Idaho?

4. How does Steinbeck diffuse a father and son fight when he rents a cabin one night?

5. What does Steinbeck encounter in New Orleans that sickens him?

6. What lessons does Steinbeck learn about house trailers in 1960 that could also apply to 2009?

7. What does Steinbeck admire most about Texans?

8. What happens to Steinbeck in Minneapolis/St. Paul?

9. Explain how the Badlands are a study in opposites.

10. Why does Steinbeck believe in what author Thomas Wolfe meant when he wrote, "You Can't Go Home Again?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explain some of the examples of regionalism found in the book. Can regionalism include more than accents and food? What else encompasses the culture and personality of a region? What are the major differences Steinbeck finds as he travels from place to place?

Essay Topic 3

Why does Steinbeck push past the hesitancy he feels about making the trip? Why does he make the trip even though he will be leaving the comforts of home in place of desolation and loneliness? What is it about people like Steinbeck whose curiosity trumps comfort?

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This section contains 833 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample