Gwstq1

Grapes of Wrath Questions for Study and Discussion (R. Somers)

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Groups Discussion Questions that compare Steinbeck, Stegner and Sanders. To be discussed in groups of three of four, after which your group will report your ideas to the class.

1. What does each character represent In The Grapes of Wrath (1-60)? In other words, what social meanings or archetypes does each symbolize or mythologize. Explore how each character conveys broader social and environmental conditions and consequences. What does each character signify? What are the social, political, and environmental connotations of their behaviors, apparel, dialogues, and so on? What emotional responses do the characters evoke in the reader (you). Are any of the characters iconic in the sense that they are representative of a larger belief system? How so? In this discussion with your group members, be sure to include land as a character; and don’t forget the turtle.

2. It’s apparent that Steinbeck, Stegner and Sanders share certain beliefs. Select Steinbeck and either Stegner or Sanders and consider the commonalities between them. Sketch a “ladder” of theme (for example, bond to the land, natural resource exploitation, displacement, alienation and so on). To the side of each “rung” in your ladder (aka theme), articulate each author’s general position regarding that theme. Then, provide page numbers that offer specific examples. Sketch your “ladder” on the board. Note: This is a very effective technique for developing a comparative essay that integrates several authors.

3. Addressing opposing views strengthens a writer’s argument. For one thing, it demonstrates the author’s awareness of opposing views and that she or he has thought through her/his argument well enough to persuasively counter that view. Opposing views also contribute complexity to the author’s argument. Though the genres of fiction and non-fiction are very different, the strategies for addressing opposing views can be similar. In fiction, a character or action or dialogue may convey an opposing view by juxtaposing characters, or the author may reveal the opposing views through the narrator’s exposition. Likewise, in non-fiction or essay, the author might also present the opposing view as a character or as an institution, or discuss the opposing view directly. How do Stegner, Sanders and Steinbeck present opposing views? How does each counter? How effective are their attempts? Provide specific examples.

4. For this question, consider who are the intended audiences for each reading? Keep in mind the publication date. How might the audiences be different? Provide some examples from each work to support your answer. Imagine you are a reader that takes offense to each article? Where in the writing and on what grounds would you object? This is an imaginative question designed to make you step into the mind of the pieces’ critic. Moreover, it’s an effective strategy for predicting and addressing the critics of your own work.

5. What are the purposes of Steinbeck’s stream of consciousness chapters, or “inter” chapters” that divert the reader from the main narrative about the Joad’s emigration? Consider his motives – both aesthetic and thematic–for using these two disparate narratives. Take a couple of examples from the “inter” passages and analyze the author’s purpose and how well (or not) he achieves the effect you think he wants to achieve?

6. Each of these authors conveys the “spirit” or “magic” of landscape. Select examples from each work and articulate the strengths of their landscape descriptions and what these descriptions evoke in the reader. What are some of the most evocative descriptions, from your point of view? Are there places where you think the writers might have over-sentimentalized landscape? Again, provide examples and articulate the effect on you, the audience.