John Steinbeck’s book, Cannery Row, vividly portrays the unconventional community of Monterey, California in the 1920s. This street, known as Cannery Row, thrives on the sardine canning industry and serves as a haven for society’s rejects. Steinbeck himself characterizes Cannery Row as “a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream” in the opening line. Among the residents of Cannery Row are Lee Chong, the proprietor of the local grocery store, Dora who manages the Bear Flag Restaurant (which discreetly doubles as a brothel), her female employees, and an enigmatic elderly Chinese man.
However, the narrative centers around Doc, a marine biologist in the local area, as well as Mack and his group of philosophical bums who are not exactly homeless. Mack and his companions take up various odd jobs and gigs to earn money. At the beginning of the story, they receive an empty fishmeal storage building from a man named Lee Chong. Mack and his friends then convert this building into their new residence called the Palace Flophouse.
Doc, the owner of Western Biological, a company that provided animals for educational purposes such as dissection, would personally gather a variety of creatures like squid, octopus, and sea cucumbers from the tidepools. When Doc had to go to La Jolla for a collecting trip, Mack and the boys planned a surprise party for him. They purchased plenty of Old Tennis Shoes (Old Tennessee, a blended whiskey) and beer for the event. The entire town was invited, and Mack and the boys envisioned it as a magnificent celebration. However, the party commenced before Doc’s arrival.
The guests arrived at Western Biological, which served as both Doc’s house and laboratory, and quickly became intoxicated. The rowdy crowd proceeded to damage various items, including windows, doors, expensive equipment, books, plates, and Doc’s cherished phonograph. The aftermath of the chaotic party left the place in a state of disarray, and everyone had already departed before Doc arrived. When Doc finally arrived at Western Biological, only Mack remained. After exchanging a few punches, the dispute was resolved. Undeterred by the events that transpired, Mack and his friends decided to organize a birthday celebration for Doc, albeit on the wrong day.
However, Doc discovered the plan and took precautions by securing his valuable equipment in a separate room. He also purchased various alcoholic beverages and steaks, anticipating that everyone would be hungry but not bring any food. The party turned out to be a success, causing only minor damages.
