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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 does Steinbeck contemplate as he drives through Louisiana?

2. What prevents Steinbeck from moving to the answer to #126?

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

4. What does Steinbeck exclude from the novel?

5. Where does Steinbeck head after leaving Chicago?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Steinbeck encounter in New Orleans that sickens him?

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

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

5. Why does Steinbeck fall in love with Montana?

6. Describe Lonesome Harry.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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?

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This section contains 777 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample