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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 do Henri's girlfriends eventually leave him?

2. Where did Doc go to college?

3. What time does Doc reach La Jolla?

4. On what pretense does Mack get Doc to admit his birth date?

5. What does the captain bring up from the cellar?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Steinbeck believe about truth which is explained by Doc's walking trip during college?

2. What is ironic about Henri the Painter?

3. Describe Mary Talbot.

4. What are some of the morning rituals on Cannery Row?

5. How does Steinbeck show that Cannery Row is an undesirable part of town?

6. Why does Mack initially reject the captain's offer of whiskey?

7. What is the irony of the tax troubles Dora experiences?

8. What is the symbolism of the music in Doc's head when he finds the body of the beautiful dead woman in the water?

9. How does Steinbeck show that Doc is one with nature?

10. For what event does Steinbeck use foreshadowing in this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although the residents of Cannery Row live on the fringe of acceptable society, they take care of each other. What is the bond between the residents of Cannery Row that makes them want to help each other even when others won't? Is there a common denominator among the Cannery Row residents that they recognize themselves in each other? Explain some situations in the book where the Cannery Row residents exhibit humanity toward one another.

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)

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