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 becomes the hearth and center of the Palace?

2. Who is employed at Dora's business?

3. What is the name of the old Chinaman who walks through Cannery Row every day?

4. Where do the boys stop to get their frogs?

5. What does Doc authorize for Mack's job assignment?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Dora Flood.

2. Explain the relationship between Doc and Frankie.

3. Explain the irony in Mack's telling Doc that he and the boys need money for a good cause.

4. What does Steinbeck think has changed America dramatically in only two generations?

5. Why does Mack has a twinge of guilt about the frog mission?

6. Describe Doc's personal characteristics.

7. How doe Mack's wits keep the boys out of trouble when they are approached by a large man with a pointer dog?

8. How does Lee acquire the Model T Ford?

9. Describe Hazel.

10. What happens to Gay when the needle valve breaks on the car?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mack and the boys are a band of homeless men who live together in a warehouse they name the Palace Flophouse. Why do Mack and the boys become like a family after a while? How do they exhibit behaviors inherent in families? What lessons is Steinbeck trying to teach about the various ways that families can be created, outside of the obvious biological combinations?

Essay Topic 2

Why does Doc think Mack is a genius and the boys are all clever? Is this opinion shared by the other residents of Cannery Row? What does Richard Frost think of Mack and the boys? Is his opinion justified? Which position to you take on Mack and the boys? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Cannery Row is populated with social outcasts and homeless people. What would become of these same people today? Re-write the characterizations and settings for the main characters. Explain the reasons for your changes.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 788 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample