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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 beauty does Steinbeck see at sunset?

2. What does Steinbeck admire most about Texans?

3. What impresses Steinbeck with its strange rock formations?

4. What does Steinbeck consider the river crossing at Bismarck to be?

5. What historical attraction does Steinbeck visit in Montana?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of Steinbeck's stop in Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Explain the irony in the scene where Steinbeck and Charley explore a sequoia grove.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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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