View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What historical attraction does Steinbeck visit in Montana?

2. What starts to slow Steinbeck's progress?

3. Of what does the Columbia River region remind Steinbeck?

4. What does a friend want Steinbeck to bring back from his trip?

5. What did Charley get at the hotel in Chicago?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Steinbeck admire most about Texans?

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

4. How does Steinbeck perceive Seattle?

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

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

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

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

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

10. What has Steinbeck learned about America so far?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Steinbeck's writing style. How is he different from other writers of his time? What are some of his characteristic writing techniques? Identify some examples of his classic style in this book.

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 why Steinbeck thinks that people are basically nomads at heart. Do most people favor putting down roots or moving around? What are the benefits and drawbacks to both ways of life? Why does the development of the mobile home increase options for Americans?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 837 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample