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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. What disrupts the family visit?

2. What does Steinbeck consider the river crossing at Bismarck to be?

3. Where does Steinbeck head after spending the night among the sequoias?

4. What does Steinbeck admire most about Texans?

5. What significant event does Steinbeck anticipate in Montana?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Steinbeck learned about America so far?

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

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

4. Explain how the Badlands are a study in opposites.

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

6. How does Steinbeck perceive Seattle?

7. What is Steinbeck's intention for stopping at Sauk Centre, Minnesota?

8. How does Steinbeck diffuse a father and son fight when he rents a cabin one night?

9. Explain the irony in the scene where Steinbeck and Charley explore a sequoia grove.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Explain why one of Steinbeck's New York friends had asked Steinbeck to bring back any honest men Steinbeck found on his trip. What was the state of the economy, the government, etc. in America in 1960 that could have benefited from authentic, honest men? Do you think Steinbeck ever found anyone who would have qualified? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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