Approximately how old is Al?

Approximately how old is Al?

• A. 14
• B. 16
• C. 18
• D. 20

Answer: (B)

Understanding a character’s age comes from the cues Steinbeck gives about where a person fits in the family and in the journey. Al is depicted as a teen, younger than Tom and old enough to help with practical tasks around the vehicle, which places him in the mid-teens. The narration aligns with about sixteen, making that the best fit for his age. If you considered other ages, fourteen would imply a younger, less independent role, while eighteen would push him toward adulthood, which the text doesn’t support given his level of responsibility and place in the family dynamic. So sixteen matches the clues and the way Steinbeck presents him within the family.

Understanding a character’s age comes from the cues Steinbeck gives about where a person fits in the family and in the journey. Al is depicted as a teen, younger than Tom and old enough to help with practical tasks around the vehicle, which places him in the mid-teens. The narration aligns with about sixteen, making that the best fit for his age.

If you considered other ages, fourteen would imply a younger, less independent role, while eighteen would push him toward adulthood, which the text doesn’t support given his level of responsibility and place in the family dynamic. So sixteen matches the clues and the way Steinbeck presents him within the family.