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 does Teresina do each year to help insure a good bean crop?

2. Tall Bob Smoke has the body of a _____________.

3. What do the paisanos do to Joe after they teach him a lesson?

4. Where does Joe find shelter on a rainy day?

5. For whom does Danny buy the item in #83?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Petey Ravanno and what is his relationship with Gracie?

2. What is unusual about the diet of Teresina's children and the manner in which they eat?

3. Describe the sad life of Tall Bob Smoke.

4. How can Jesus Maria be best characterized?

5. Who does Jesus Maria encounter in the company of a policeman and what does Jesus Maria do in the situation?

6. How do the paisanos help Teresina when the bean crop fails and she cannot feed her eight children?

7. Why does the Pirate donate money to the church and what is the effect of this gesture on the other paisanos?

8. How do Danny and Sweets eventually connect?

9. How is the story of the corporal both pathetic and noble?

10. What is the story of the boy and the baby, Manuel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Steinbeck uses beautifully descriptive language in the book to help his readers see his world from his perspective. Without referring to the book, describe Tortilla Flat. Now, describe Monterey, using only your recall of Steinbeck's descriptions. How do you visualize the California coast now that you have read Steinbeck's TORTILLA FLAT.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

Tortilla Flat 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 1,074 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample