Big Books of 2026
Cannery Row (Cannery Row, #1)

Questions About Cannery Row (Cannery Row, #1)

by John Steinbeck

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Cannery Row, please sign up.

Answered Questions (8)

What's up with the second to last chapter about the gopher? I don't see how it pertains to anything, and I'm obviously not picking up the metaphor.
John Monaghan The gopher is a metaphorical representation for us, people. We make plans for our lives, just as the gopher did when he started to lay out his dens, d…moreThe gopher is a metaphorical representation for us, people. We make plans for our lives, just as the gopher did when he started to lay out his dens, dreams in mind for what he saw as his future; just waiting for a mate to move in.
Just as Mack and the boys at the FlopHouse moved in, arranged it to their tastes, they wait for whatever life drops into their midst. the same can be said for the other residents of the neighborhood (Mr. and Mrs. Mallory living in their boilers; Doc Ricketts in his "lab" and others). They seem to settle in and live from day to day without expending any effort on upgrading their lives.

Eventually the gopher moves on to a better address. The Cannery Row occupants seem content to leave things alone.(less)
flag
Has Doc lost a love?
A.S. I think so, considering the emotion with which he reads the poetry aloud at the party.
flag
This was my first Steinbeck to read. I've heard his other books are depressing, but now I'm wondering if that's true. How does this book compare to Steinbeck's other books? I thought it was really funny throughout.
Bill Jenkins Yes, I also found this depressing but it's not like Of Mice and Men and Grapes of Wrath. The characters of these stories tried for more than what life…moreYes, I also found this depressing but it's not like Of Mice and Men and Grapes of Wrath. The characters of these stories tried for more than what life dealt them.(less)
flag
Do people know that Cannery Row in Monterey was named for this book and not the other way around?
Arvin nadimi yes . the translator noted that in my persian edition .
flag
"Only one brave and beautiful boy of ten named Andy from Salinas ever crossed the old Chinaman ... singing in a shrill falsetto, "Ching-Chong Chinaman sitting on a rail- 'Long came a white man an' chopped off his tail." What a brave and beautiful boy. What was the point of this? It's not ironic right
Bill Jenkins I suppose the reaction the boy got was ironic. He was expecting something funny to happen and instead, he was frightened and no one ever approached th…moreI suppose the reaction the boy got was ironic. He was expecting something funny to happen and instead, he was frightened and no one ever approached the chinaman again.(less)
flag

Unanswered Questions (1)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more