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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 impresses Steinbeck with its strange rock formations?

2. Why will Steinbeck never move back to Monterey?

3. To what political party does Steinbeck belong?

4. What does Steinbeck contemplate as he drives through Louisiana?

5. To what does Steinbeck liken the group's verbal taunts?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Steinbeck fall in love with Montana?

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

6. What does Steinbeck admire most about Texans?

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

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

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

10. Describe Lonesome Harry.

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 811 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample