Thanks to Marcia for these discussion questions!
Here are a few questions from Google to get us thinking:
1. How was Charley used in
Steinbeck’s dealings with people during his journey?
2. Would you say that Charley
was an important part of how Steinbeck met people?
3. Steinbeck packs Rocinante
very carefully before his departure. What are some items of importance that he
takes and why? What did he find useful on the journey? What do the things
he packs indicate about his attitude towards his trip? Why did he name
his Camper Truck Rocinante?
4. Steinbeck talks to a
farmer about America’s growing disinterest in politics. Even though Travels
with Charley took place in the 1960’s, do you feel that Steinbeck’s
observation is applicable to current American society?
5. Steinbeck stops to visit a
grove of redwoods in his native California. What does that response reveal
about his overall attitude towards America’s natural environment? What was
Charley’s reaction to the redwoods?
6. How is racism explored in
the text? Does Steinbeck embrace racial equality in American society?
7. Steinbeck emphasizes the
idea that there really are no strangers in America. What do you think he means?
8. How does Steinbeck's
definition of "America" change from the beginning of his trip to this
final homecoming, and do you think he actually found what he was looking for on
the road?
