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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 commotion has erupted in the city where Steinbeck stops?

2. Why do many people invest in house trailers?

3. What starts to slow Steinbeck's progress?

4. After the border fiasco, Steinbeck admits that he loves countries but hates _____________________.

5. What is the only valuable thing that happens on this day?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Steinbeck fall in love with Montana?

2. Why is Steinbeck conflicted as he leaves Texas and heads for Louisiana?

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

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

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

6. What does Steinbeck admire most about Texans?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample