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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. In what city in Louisiana does Steinbeck decide to stop?

2. What does a friend want Steinbeck to bring back from his trip?

3. Why is Steinbeck shocked by Seattle?

4. Where does Steinbeck head after leaving California?

5. Why does Steinbeck decide not to visit a friend in Louisiana?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Steinbeck fall in love with Montana?

3. What has Steinbeck learned about America so far?

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

5. What lessons does Steinbeck learn about house trailers in 1960 that could also apply to 2009?

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

7. What philosophical thoughts does Steinbeck have when he passes into Idaho?

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

9. Why does Steinbeck believe in what author Thomas Wolfe meant when he wrote, "You Can't Go Home Again?"

10. Describe Lonesome Harry.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Steinbeck push past the hesitancy he feels about making the trip? Why does he make the trip even though he will be leaving the comforts of home in place of desolation and loneliness? What is it about people like Steinbeck whose curiosity trumps comfort?

Essay Topic 2

How is Steinbeck changed after a Sunday morning service in a small Vermont town? What impresses him about the experience? Does Steinbeck prefer fire and brimstone over vague, feel-good preaching? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Give some examples of humor in the book. Do you think Steinbeck appreciates slapstick humor or wit of a more sophisticated nature? Or both? Explain.

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