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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 does Guy not use his mechanical abilities on the machines in the canneries?

2. How long does it take eleven-year-old Frankie to enter Doc's lab and speak to Doc?

3. Who fills up Lee's car with gas at the service station?

4. What kind of business does Dora Flood operate?

5. What is the name of Dora's current watchman?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Mack and the boys manage to "find" dinner while on the road?

2. Why is Doc leery of Mack's request for money?

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

4. What becomes the pride and joy in the Palace for Mack and the boys?

5. How does Lee acquire the Model T Ford?

6. It would be impractical to use the building to store groceries, so what does Lee do with the building?

7. How does Lee acquire another building?

8. Describe Dora Flood.

9. What is the irony of Hazel's name?

10. Describe Doc's personal characteristics.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Model T Ford has importance in the story for the frog-catching expedition of Mack and the boys. What does the car symbolize for Mack and the boys? For its owner, Lee? What significance does Steinbeck say the Model T has on American culture for the past two generations?

Essay Topic 2

Steinbeck populates Cannery Row with several eccentric characters. Who are the eccentrics in the novel? What makes them eccentric? Do you have a favorite eccentric in the book? Why? What makes him/her so appealing to you?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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