Cannery Row Summary

Description

Here you will find a Cannery Row summary (John Steinbeck's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

P.S.: As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from purchases made through links in this page. But the summaries are totally free!

Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

Cannery Row Summary Overview

The narrative is set in the canning district of Monterey, California, a locale marked by its eclectic mix of inhabitants. This group ranges from the less fortunate to those who opt out of residing in the town's more esteemed quarters for varied reasons. Instead of following a traditional plot, the book primarily focuses on capturing the essence of this unique community. It's peppered with brief, poignant tales about the community members, some of whom aren't directly related to the main storyline. These tales often touch on harsh realities, including suicide, death, and the brutality of nature. Central to the narrative is the escapades of Mack and his gang - an unemployed yet ingenious crew residing in an old fish-meal shack bordering a barren plot within the district. Their desire is to express their gratitude to Doc, an intellectual, kind-hearted man who runs a biological supply house in the district and is a friend and caregiver to all. Despite his warm demeanor, Doc often appears melancholic. Their grand plan is to throw him a party, a mission that results in both the enrichment and irritation of Lee Chong, the district's grocer. While Doc is away on a specimen-gathering trip, the group organizes the party in his combined lab and living space. However, Doc arrives late, finding his place in a mess and the party over. Following this disastrous event, a wave of misfortune, including an influenza outbreak, sweeps the area. However, fortunes begin to turn, and the district inhabitants start to witness some improvements. Thankful to Doc for treating their ill puppy, Mack and his gang resolve to throw another party for him. This time, they take advice from Dora, the local brothel owner, and put more thought into their planning and execution. The second party is a triumph, and the book closes with Doc tidying his home the morning after, immersed in thoughts about life.

chapter 1

Lee Chong's grocery store is a cornerstone of the local community, a place where everything, barring the company of women, can be purchased. The proprietor, Lee Chong, is a smart businessman who caters to his customers' needs, often extending credit unless the debts become unmanageable. Such was the case with Horace Abbeville, a man burdened with two wives, six children and mounting debts. Horace proposed to settle his debts by handing over his fish-meal shed to Lee Chong, who accepted. Horace, devoid of financial stress, then ended his own life. Lee Chong, feeling remorse, has since tried to support Horace’s family. The fish-meal shed, now in his possession, posed a dilemma for Lee Chong. The solution came from Mack, a leader of a group of jobless men. Mack suggested that he and his gang could take up residence in the shed for a small rent. Lee Chong, aware of the potential damage they could inflict if declined, agreed. He also knew that he would never receive any rent. However, the deal proved mutually beneficial. Mack and his crew guarded the grocery shop and stopped pilfering out of appreciation. The fish-meal shed gained a new moniker, the Palace Flophouse and Grill. Mack and his gang busied themselves with stealing and then disguising various items to furnish their new abode.

chapter 2

Mack and his friends consider doing a favor for Doc, who is in charge of the Western Biological Laboratory nearby. As Doc goes over to Lee Chong's for some beer, the story deviates into a lyrical reflection on the characters introduced so far. Lee Chong is depicted as firm yet kind-hearted; he has exhumed his grandfather's remains and sent them to China for burial in his ancestral land. Mack and his friends, though unambitious, evade many modern life worries. They live their days in tranquility and sensual abundance. The narrative suggests that God must respect and safeguard individuals like Mack.

chapter 3

Just a stone's throw away from Lee Chong's place is Dora's house of pleasure, the Bear Flag Restaurant (named after California's flag). The house is run by Dora, a large woman with fiery orange hair who prefers bold clothes. She ensures her ladies are well-mannered and looked after. She's well-regarded in the town, thanks to her substantial charity work and decorous behavior. During the economic downturn, she stood out for her generosity, as she fed numerous local families and settled their debts with Lee Chong. The narrative briefly sidesteps to recount the tale of William, the erstwhile doorman at the Bear Flag. William, who was unable to bond with others, assumed people branded him as a "dirty pimp." Overwhelmed with sadness one day, he took his own life. Alfred, a well-liked individual, is the current doorman.

chapter 4

The story briefly pauses to paint a scene of an elderly Chinese man. He strolls through Cannery Row at sunset and sunrise, undertaking a daily routine of collecting marine animals beneath the piers. His sandals create a distinctive slapping sound, a signal to the locals of his presence. The man's mysterious nature and slightly intimidating aura mean that nobody has ever conversed with him. The only encounter was with a young boy who hurled a racist song at him. The old man responded with a piercing gaze that left the boy on the brink of fainting. Since this incident, he has been left undisturbed.

chapter 5

Doc operates Western Biological Laboratory, a facility that provides nearly any creature, alive or dead, for scientific study. The lab, filled with various instruments and odd odors, doubles as Doc's residence. Doc himself is a complex man of contrasts: he's simultaneously gentle and aggressive, loves ocean but detests rain and is known for "has helped many a girl out of one trouble and into another." Being a scientist rather than a medical doctor, Doc is a bit of a scholar, educating Cannery Row's inhabitants on classical music and literature. Incredibly understanding, Doc communicates with everyone, making him a beloved figure on the Row. People feel obliged to him and wish to return his kindness.

chapter 6

Hazel, a member of the group, assists Doc in gathering specimens from tide pools. Named after a wealthy relative by his mother, who lost track of his gender due to her large family, Hazel didn't reap any financial benefits. Growing up, he was a minor nuisance, ending up in reform school without becoming a serious criminal. While he's proficient at collecting specimens, his tendency to engage in dull, repetitive chatter irritates Doc. Their conversation turns toward Henri, a local artist building a boat he'll never complete due to his fear of the sea, despite his love for construction.

chapter 7

The story deviates briefly to depict the everyday events at the Palace Flophouse and Grill, Mack and his friends' residence. They have converted the Palace into a comfortable abode. Eddie, who occasionally moonlights as a bartender at the neighborhood pub, La Ida, is the most liked resident of the Palace. He maintains a jug hidden under the bar, filled with the leftovers from patrons' drinks and brings it home for the boys. As Hazel is away gathering with Doc, the boys engage in conversation over Eddie's jug, contemplating on doing something special for Doc. They determine to throw a party for Doc. In order to finance the event, they plan to persuade Doc to allow them to gather frogs for him at a rate of 5 cents each. They are aware of a location in Carmel Valley where frogs are abundant.

chapter 8

The tale shifts to touch upon Mr. and Mrs. Sam Malloy, residents in a colossal discarded boiler in an empty plot left by a cannery. They've called this place home since the heart of the Great Depression in 1935. As the economic situation slightly improved in 1937, Mr. Malloy initiated a business by leasing out pieces of pipe in the plot for men to lodge in. This landlord status lifted Mrs. Malloy's spirits, prompting her to beautify their boiler home. However, when she considered purchasing curtains, her husband dissuaded her, noting the boiler's lack of windows. This deeply disappointed her.

chapter 9

Hazel gets back from gathering items with Doc, and the group updates him on the party plans. Mack heads for Doc's lab to suggest they collect frogs for him. He chats with Mr. Malloy, the boiler dweller, en route. Doc is wary of Mack's friendly demeanor but agrees to the proposal as he needs frogs. Mack points out that they lack transportation to Carmel Valley and requests Doc's car. Doc can't spare his car, compelling Mack to propose they use Lee Chong's truck, and asks Doc for fuel money. Doc hands over a note for the gas station attendant, prompting Mack to seek Lee Chong's permission to borrow his truck. Lee Chong says the truck is malfunctioning; Mack promises to repair it in exchange for its use. Despite his suspicion, Lee Chong agrees, setting the expedition in motion.

chapter 10

Frankie, a boy with mental disabilities, informally resides at Western Biological after his father's death and due to his mother's occupation as a low-level sex worker. To keep Frankie away, her customers, whom he refers to as 'uncles', either bribe or assault him. The local school denies him access, and it takes him weeks to gain enough confidence to step into the lab where he's been observing Doc from a distance. Doc takes Frankie under his wing, providing him with clothing, a haircut, and an attempt at chores and lab work, which his disabilities hinder. Frankie is utterly devoted to Doc, regularly expressing his love for him. During one of Doc's social gatherings, Frankie achieves a small victory by offering a beer to a female guest, earning praises from her and Doc. This incident leaves a positive imprint on Frankie. However, at a subsequent party, he attempts to replicate his earlier success by offering a tray of beers to the guests, but he accidentally spills it on a woman. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Frankie retreats to the basement. Doc finds him, but struggles to console the dejected boy.

chapter 11

Mack and his crew reach Lee Chong's to fix an old truck. This vehicle has an interesting history, starting as a Model T car of a respected doctor, then moving onto a reckless insurance salesman. It was later transformed into a truck by the subsequent owners, before finally being traded to Lee Chong for a grocery bill. Though all the men are skilled mechanics, Gay's talent stands out. With doorbell batteries stolen by Eddie, Gay revives the truck. However, Eddie has to be cautious around Gay's abusive wife. Once the truck is ready, they cover it with rags to hide the absence of license plates and lights. Mack is confident they will find all the food they need on their journey. With a note from Doc, they fill up gas and depart, driving backwards due to a faulty gear and brakes. On the way, the truck fails them. Gay decides to fetch the required part from town, but a series of events lead him to jail instead. Finally, Eddie takes the responsibility of procuring the part by stealing it from a local construction camp.

chapter 12

The tale veers to recount Josh Billings' demise, a noted author and wit. He passed away in a Monterey hotel and was preserved by the local physician, a French expert in biological science. A day post his passing, a boy and his dog stumble upon internal body parts in a ravine behind the physician's practice, leading to the revelation that the doctor disposes of the organs he removes during embalming in the ravine. He is mandated to retrieve the organs and cover the cost of a small casket to be placed within the larger one. The town is horrified by this handling of the esteemed writer's remains.

chapter 13

Eddie procures a vehicle part from a construction site, enabling the group to resume their journey towards Carmel Valley. Along the way, they capture a rooster for their meal. While feasting and conversing at their campsite, a realization troubles Mack - their supposed party for Doc is really self-serving. However, after additional discussion, they all agree that the party is a worthwhile endeavor. Their gathering is disrupted by a stranger with a dog, the owner of the land they occupy. Just as he prepares to evict them, Mack steps in, explaining their frog collection mission for cancer research. Mack proceeds to compliment the man's military posture and his dog, successfully winning him over. The man, now referred to as "Captain," reveals his dog's tick-borne ailment and recent litter of puppies. Mack takes immediate interest and volunteers to nurse the dog, pleasing the Captain who then invites them to his home, boasting of a frog-filled pond. Mack leaves with the Captain, instructing the group to tidy up before joining him. Admiring Mack's diplomatic skills, Hazel jests that he could be the U.S President, to which another boy retorts that the role would be far from enjoyable.

chapter 14

Chapter 14 unveils a sublime sunrise over Cannery Row, where dogs mark their territory and seagulls anticipate discards from the canneries, yet everything is touched by an ethereal beauty. Emerging from La Ida bar at the crack of dawn are two soldiers and two girls, who proceed towards the beach by Hopkins Marine Station. Despite the beach being privately owned, the quartet decides to sit down and refresh themselves with beers, all the while soaking in the beautiful morning. Their tranquil moment is disrupted when a watchman attempts to evict them, only to be told off.

chapter 15

Mack and his comrades arrive at the Captain's rural home, where Mack starts looking after the dog and buttering up the Captain. The Captain, in turn, gives him a dog from a new litter, which Mack receives with delight. The Captain reveals his wife's political career has led to him being virtually abandoned. The boys express their condolences. Before they head off to catch frogs, the Captain offers them a drink. Showing some hesitation initially, they eventually partake in the whiskey kept since Prohibition, getting severely inebriated. Finally, they recollect their purpose and proceed to the pond to catch frogs. They corner the frogs at one end of the water body and succeed in capturing them. Their mission is a huge success and they return to the Captain's house to revel in their victory. The alcohol and the celebration leave the Captain unconscious, his home in ruins and his curtains reduced to ashes. The boys depart, taking with them a puppy and a jug of liquor.

chapter 16

Dora and her employees at the Bear Flag have been swamped in recent weeks. A substantial sardine haul and fresh troops have infused the town with cash. However, Dora is understaffed with girls on leave or injured. She's also under pressure from tax officials asking for payments on her unlawful business. Amidst these challenges, a flu outbreak strikes the town. Doc, despite not being a certified doctor, has been tending to the destitute. He convinces Dora and her crew to assist as caretakers for affected families.

chapter 17

The story depicts Doc's solitary life and diligent work ethic. Despite having occasional female company and playing his beloved phonograph, the Cannery Row community still pities him. After a flu outbreak, Doc finally gets the chance to travel to La Jolla for a collecting trip, aiming for baby octopi. Timing his visit to coincide with the tide is vital. However, he must make the trip alone, with Mack and the boys busy frog hunting and Henri the painter engrossed in an outdoor spectacle of a man roller-skating on a flagpole. His journey involves frequent stops for food and beer, with his consumption being unusually high. At a diner, he eyes the milkshake machine and considers ordering a beer milkshake. He imagines the waitress's reaction and reflects on the convenience of lying over expressing the truth. He recalls a walking journey through the South during college, aimed at forgetting "love troubles" and excessive work. When he was honest about his purpose, people avoided him. However, when he lied about a wager, he was treated with kindness and generosity. On his way to La Jolla, Doc takes in a hitchhiker, who later admonishes him for drinking and driving. Doc dismisses the man and finally orders his beer milkshake. The waitress is initially skeptical, but warms up after he convinces her it's for a bladder condition. He assures her the taste isn't bad, having consumed them for 17 years.

chapter 18

Doc's journey to La Jolla involves consuming copious meals and beer. He reaches his destination around 2 a.m. and takes rest in his car until he senses the tide shift - a consequence of years spent collecting marine life. His morning proves successful as he collects numerous specimens. On the edge of the tide flat, under the seaweed, he spots something white. Moving the seaweed, he is startled to find a dead woman. Disturbed, he leaves the spot and encounters a passerby on the shore. He inquires about the nearest police station from the stranger and, too upset to deal with the sight again, suggests the stranger could report the body and claim the reward himself.

chapter 19

In Monterey, a skater at a flagpole outside a department store is trying to break a world record. Surrounding businesses are thriving due to the attention, and competing stores are vying to book him next. Henri, an artist, finds the skater intriguing and plans to base art pieces on him. A town resident, after a quarrel with his wife and a bout of heavy drinking, approaches the skater at the flagpole late one night. He inquires about how the skater manages his bodily functions up there, a question on many townspeople's minds. The skater reveals that he uses a can. The man then goes back to his anxious wife, who assumed he was at the Bear Flag, sharing the newfound information.

chapter 20

Mack and his crew, coming back from their frog hunt, interact with Lee Chong. They convince him to exchange party supplies for their frogs, using Doc's debt as leverage. This way, Lee Chong can sell the frogs directly to Doc. Satisfied, full, and slightly tipsy, they use up almost all the frogs, while Lee Chong inflates the frog-to-supplies exchange rate. Their newly adopted dog from the Captain, Darling, fits well into the group. The team decides to get party decorations from Lee Chong's various holiday collections. Eddie, having some cooking skills, is recruited to make Doc's cake. But sadly, Darling gets to the cake first. The team then convinces Lee Chong to take the frogs to Western Biological to surprise Doc. The party kicks off with major brawls, lots of laughter, and ends with a destroyed lab. Amidst the chaos, a drunk party-goer stumbles into the frog crate, causing all the frogs to scatter.

chapter 21

Upon his early morning arrival, Doc discovers his house in ruins. He crosses paths with Mack who attempts to express remorse. In response, Doc punches him, an action Mack concedes is deserved. The two engage in a conversation over beers where Mack shares the story of the party. Doc, showing compassion, dismisses any concern over the damages as he knows Mack could never compensate for them. Mack, feeling a profound sense of guilt, discloses to Doc his pattern of failures in life, including losing a wife whose whereabouts remain unknown to him. Leaving Doc, Mack makes his way up to the Palace Flophouse. Left alone, Doc commences the lengthy process of tidying up his devastated home.

chapter 22

Henri the artist, close to Doc, is an American with an obsession for Parisian culture and art. He has had various peculiar artistic periods, such as only using chicken feathers or avoiding the color red. Despite his questionable artistry, his craftsmanship skills are undeniable. His ongoing boat project, which he secretly never plans to complete, is always viewed as a work of art. This unconventional lifestyle has led to the departure of two wives and several girlfriends. Following each breakup, he drowns his sorrows in alcohol. During one such episode, after his latest girlfriend has departed, he spots a sinister young man and a tow-headed child on a nearby bench. The man appears to cut the child's throat, which sends a terrified Henri to Doc's place. On the same evening, Doc has invited a young lady to his place. Henri recounts his chilling experience to her, sparking her interest and leading her to visit the boat. Consequently, she becomes the newest in Henri's line of girlfriends, much to Doc's disappointment.

chapter 23

Following the chaotic party, Mack and the boys are blamed for ransacking Doc's lab and are perceived as thieves, causing a desire for some to confront them. The boys are observed by Doc and his friend (the man who questioned the roller skater) on Independence Day. Doc labels them philosophers for recognizing that worldly success often brings misfortune. As a test, the men bet whether the boys will observe the passing parade. They don't, which Doc sees as evidence of their wisdom, knowing what the parade contains without needing to watch. The boys, who have tried to regain respectability, remain upset about the party's aftermath. Misfortune spreads across Cannery Row. Dora's bouncer unintentionally paralyzes a drunken man. Storms ground fishing boats and a man loses his leg after falling asleep on train tracks. Morality-driven women close down the Bear Flag and Dora misses out on convention business. In the worst development, Darling falls gravely sick. The boys ask Doc for help, and he guides them in taking care of Darling, who soon recovers. Circumstances on the Row start improving: Dora is allowed to reopen and Lee Chong cancels the boys' debt. Their spirits return, Mack and the boys decide to express gratitude to Doc. Unsure of how, Mack seeks Dora's advice, who proposes a party that Doc can enjoy. The boys are enthusiastic about the idea and start preparing.

chapter 24

We pause in the story to spend time with Mary Talbot, a local woman of witch descent. Mary's beauty is matched only by her childlike nature. Her husband, Tom, struggles as a writer. To avoid sadness, Mary frequently hosts parties, even for the neighborhood cats. On a hard day for Tom, Mary decides to have a cat tea party and starts gathering cats. She stumbles upon one cat tormenting a mouse and is terrified. Tom comes to her rescue, dispatches the mouse and shuns the cat. Despite his troubles, he joins Mary's tea party to cheer her up. Later, Mary organizes her own baby shower, leading the town to speculate on the joy a child of hers will experience.

chapter 25

Life is thriving in the Row. The lads are busy organizing a party for Doc, and Hazel proposes it be a celebration of his birthday. This idea excites everyone, leading Mack to visit Western Biological to determine Doc's birth date. Doc finds Mack's inquiries peculiar, yet he's moved by Mack's evident appreciation for his help in curing Darling. This interaction rekindles their friendship, which had been strained since the disastrous party. However, Doc deliberately provides Mack with an incorrect birth date. Later, when whispers of the party start spreading, Doc understands the weird behavior Mack displayed while trying to determine his birthday.

chapter 26

Joey and Willard, two young lads, are hanging out near Western Biological, gossiping about Doc's rumored collection of "babies in jars". Willard, the tormentor, inquisitively brings up Joey's father, aware that he took his own life out of joblessness. He continues to provoke Joey by questioning how his father's life ended, to which Joey says it was via rat poison. Willard jests about Joey's father being a rodent, while Joey, scared of getting thrashed by Willard, plays along, nervously chuckling at times and genuinely finding it amusing at others. He goes into considerable detail about his father's drawn-out demise. Eventually, the conversation loses its appeal and the boys move on.

chapter 27

Throughout Cannery Row, the inhabitants are busily getting ready for Doc's upcoming celebration. Dora's girls are crafting a new quilt to swap out his worn-out blanket that accompanies him on his collection trips. Sam Malloy contributes a unique piece from his antique auto parts stash, which he believes will have historical significance. Lee Chong contributes firecrackers and flower bulbs, while Mack and his group gather tomcats, which are always in demand by Doc, and hoard alcohol. Doc learns of the impending party through hearsay and a tipsy stranger at the tavern, and begins to stow away valuable and fragile items in his lab while also stocking up on food and beverages. A dispute arises among Dora's girls over who will attend the party's opening shift, and Mack persists in his tomcat gathering.

chapter 28

Frankie has discovered about the impending party and is determined to do something grand for Doc. He is enamored by an onyx clock, crowned with a statuette resembling Doc, at a nearby jewelry store. However, Frankie's lack of funds leads him to illegally break into the store, getting caught in the process. Upon being called to the police station, Doc learns that Frankie's mother has refused to accept accountability for him, pointing out that he resides with Doc. Doc attempts to secure a parole for Frankie, but the chief proposes Frankie's incarceration, rationalizing it with his impending puberty and potential sexual aggression. Questioning Frankie about his attempted theft, Doc is met with a simple confession, "I love you." Overwhelmed, Doc rushes out of the station, heading towards the beach to collect his thoughts.

chapter 29

The long-awaited party day finally dawns, with all hands eagerly finishing their preparations. Doc readies his laboratory and settles in to wait for his visitors. Mack, his boys and the rest of the townsfolk are gripped with anticipation, mulling over the ideal time to head to Doc's. The ladies at Dora's hold off on their covert drinking until their madam indulges in her first evening drink. Alfred, the doorman, is grumpy as Dora has asked him to stay at the Bear Flag throughout the night to keep the peace. However, noticing his discontent, Dora softens, allowing Alfred to join them later in the night and even promising him a short break. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement as everyone waits for the festivity to kick off. Amidst this, Doc whiles away his time, playing records that match his reflecting mood.

chapter 30

The celebration proves to be a triumph. Mack's group is the first to show up, soon followed by Dora and her ladies from the Bear Flag. Doc shares a drink from his stash with them. The neighborhood crowd soon joins in, bringing gifts for Doc. A feast of fried steaks is enjoyed by all. Afterwards, Doc plays opera which is met with silent admiration from everyone. When the music stops, Doc recites a sensual love poem in Sanskrit, leaving everyone in awe. Suddenly, a band of outsiders barges in, mistaking Doc's lab for a brothel upon seeing Dora's girls. This results in a friendly brawl, kickstarting the party into high gear. Even the law enforcement officers who show up end up participating in the festivities. Mack and his gang borrow a police car to fetch more wine, which somehow ends up on the beach, discovered by the officers the next day when it's reported lost. The party becomes a magnet, drawing in almost everyone around.

chapter 31

The tale offers a final diversion. A gopher creates a home in a vacant lot corner on Cannery Row, anticipating a compatible mate. The location is scenic and the soil is perfect for a burrow. The gopher meticulously prepares and starts storing food for future progeny. Yet, no female gopher shows up. While looking for a mate, the gopher gets seriously injured by another male gopher. Eventually, he has to leave his ideal home and relocate to a nearby garden filled with gopher traps.

chapter 32

After a night of partying, Doc wakes with a splitting headache. He tidies his disheveled lab, dressed in his day clothes, and decides to purchase beer from Lee Chong. In the early hour, Lee is only partially awake, but shows satisfaction knowing Doc has had fun at his party. Doc returns to his lab, puts on choir music, and starts to fix the disorder. He locates his Sanskrit poetry book, which he had been reading just the previous night, and reads some verses to himself. The touching final verse, emphasizing the importance of cherishing life, brings him to tears. The closing image of this section features the white rats and rattlesnakes that Doc had safely secured away from the party.

Enjoying this summary?
Buy the book! (it's better)

People who recommended Cannery Row

Lists that recommended Cannery Row

Best John Steinbeck Books