Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Why do you think Charley is featured so prominently in the narrative? After all, he is a dog. So why use him to tell this sometimes-heavy story about Steinbeck's trip through, and observations about, America during the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement?
- It's understood that Steinbeck used a certain amount of creative license in "documenting" his trip. How much do you think is true? Which anecdotes strike you as particularly far-fetched? Which ones ring true?
- In a book about America, Steinbeck spends a lot of time thinking about foreign countries, their politics, and their perspectives. Why do you think that is?
- Steinbeck's references to his wife are pretty scant, even though she joined him for part of his journey. Why do you think he feels the need to omit her part in his observations? Is it just that she's part of "home," or do you think he has other reasons for keeping her out of the narrative? If so, what are they?
- What do you make of the structure and the attention Steinbeck gives to various states (like Texas) and topics (race relations, the Cold War, etc.)? Does he give us a fair and/or comprehensive overview of America? Is that what he's even trying to do? If not, what is his mission?