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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. Why has Steinbeck's visit disturbed his family?

2. What does Steinbeck call the previous guest of a hotel room he waits in temporarily?

3. Why is Steinbeck shocked by Seattle?

4. Why does Steinbeck think the dairy farms he sees must be subsidized?

5. What does Steinbeck enjoy in Idaho?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Lonesome Harry.

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

3. What does Steinbeck admire most about Texans?

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

5. What two national attractions does Steinbeck visit before leaving Montana?

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

7. Why does Steinbeck fall in love with Montana?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Give some examples of humor in the book. Do you think Steinbeck appreciates slapstick humor or wit of a more sophisticated nature? Or both? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the Cold War in America. Why are Steinbeck and the people he meets so obsessed with it? How does Steinbeck come to terms with the Cold War in order to live his life with some sort of calm?

Essay Topic 3

Envision the encounter between Steinbeck and the Shakespearean performer. How do you envision the performer to look? How does he behave? Based on Steinbeck's low-key, unassuming nature, do you think Steinbeck enjoys the theatrics of this man? Or is he annoyed by the overuse of drama? Explain.

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