Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Study Guide



Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Study Guide

Directions: Completely fill out the study guide. If any part is not completely filled out, all points will be lost for the study guide. Plagiarism will not be tolerated- if plagiarism is found or suspected, a zero will be given for the assignment. Document all work using MLA format; include a works cited page. TYPE!

DUE: March 2012

Author Background- A brief introduction to who this author is and how their life may have impacted the writing.

Historical Background-1930’s- What is happening during history when this piece of literature was written and how is the literature a reflection of this time period?

Character Analysis: DO NOT take these from any type of Spark/Cliff/Pink Monkey, etc. notes. I want your own analysis of these characters from the novel.

Tom Joad:

Al Joad:

Rose of Sharon:

Ma Joad:

Pa Joad:

Jim Casy:

Terms & Symbols

Directions: Take your best guess at which each of these objects or people may represent. You must try, even if you aren’t sure. Answer in complete sentences with quotes for support.

Who or what are the “Oakies?”

What does the death of the Joad’s dog represent/ symbolize?

What does the turtle crossing the road represent/symbolize?

What does Rose of Sharon’s pregnancy and birth represent/symbolize?

Where does the title The Grapes of Wrath come from and why is this significant?

Directions: All parts of every question must be answered for credit. Failure to answer a question results in an automatic zero, as does leaving a question blank. All answers must contain a specific quote correctly cited and fully explained.

1. When we first meet Tom Joad, he is hitchhiking. What are the circumstances, where is he going, and why has he been gone?

2. All of chapter three is devoted to a turtle crossing a highway. Why would such a chapter be written from this novel. What’s the point?

3. One of the significant characters of this novel is introduced to us in chapter four. He is the reverend Jim Casy. Describe him. Also, include your own reactions to him both as a man and as a minister.

4. How does Casey affect the eventual destiny of Tom Joad?

5. Chapter five is one of the most stirring essays in the volume. Courage, it is said, is often thought of as fearlessness in the face of danger. Hover, sometimes we define true courage as bravery in the face of fear. There is a lot of fear as well as frustration exposed in this chapter. A way of life is ending and courage is needed. Please write an essay giving your opinion of the chapter. Be sure to state the reasons for your position. (3 paragraphs)

6. In chapter six we read, “The folks ain’t never comin’ back. I’m jus wanderin’ aroun’ like a damn ol’ graveyard ghos’. “ Who said that and why?

7. Chapter seven is another essay dealing with the plight of the displaced and the dread of those who are ready to take advantage of any opportunity. Just imagine being placed into such a situation. Write an essay expressing your feelings about the chapter and how it may relate to a real life experience either you or some you know may have had. (3 paragraphs)

8. By the time we are finished with chapter eleven, the first of our three episodes draws to a close. “The people on the top of the load did not look back. They saw the house and the barn and a little smoke still rising from the chimney. They saw the windows redding under the first color of the sun… The cotton fields lined the road. And the truck crawled slowly through the dust toward the highway and the west.” Describe the preparations to make the trip. What project did they undertake prior to leaving, to help them survive on the road?

9. How many people were on the Joad’s Hudson truck? Please name them and give their relationship to each other.

10. Tell us about the death of Grampa and the burial, as well as the concern over the propriety and the law.

11. “The western land, nervous under the beginning change… The great owners, nervous, sensing a change, knowing nothing of the nature of the change… Striking at the immediate thing, the widening government, the growing labor, unity; striking at new taxes, at plans; not knowing these things are results, not causes.” (Steinbeck Ch. 14). What is Steinbeck’s purpose with the essay that compromises the chapter?

12. Chapter fifteen is another reflection on the times, a scenario in a diner. Here a theme is developed through symbols. Write a short response that shows how these symbols relate to the novel’s theme. Please support your points with a specific example or two from the chapter (2 paragraphs).

13. Chapter seventeen describes life on the highway and the code that existed, though unwritten and many times unspoken, between those who banded together in a common bond of necessity. Please explain that code. Does it exist today?

14. What happens to Granma? Please describe the situation, along with crossing the state line and the ultimate outcome. Please include Granma’s wishes.

15. The beginning of chapter twenty sees the Joads into California and us into the third and last section of Steinbeck’s novel. The Joad family settles into what is referred to as a “Hooverville,” where they start learning the hard truth about California’s Central Valley and the labor market. What can be said of the prospects for a future in California for the Joads. Please use specific examples from the book.

16. “The woman set her hands on her hips. ‘You kin he’p me by mindin’ your own children an’ lettin’ mine alone,’ The woman scowled at her. ‘My little fella come back smellin’ of stew,’” What is the circumstance of the exchange? Why is the woman so upset?

17. Before the chapter ends there is violence. What happens? What is the concern for Tom Joad?

18. Another member of the Joad party leaves the scene. Who is it, and what are the circumstances?

19. The family decides to leave that evening. They have more trouble. What happens now? Where do they go?

20. Why is Rose of Sharon upset over a woman described as “stocky… her face was brown with sun, and her eyes ere black and intense.”

21. “We’re the Committee…Ladies Committee of Sanitary Unit Number Four.” Ever since the Joads arrived at Weedpatch Camp they have been told that things here are different. The “Committee” is an example. Later there is to be a dance and trouble brews. The plan is to bring in the “Law.” What is the rule of the law that governs Weedpatch and why are there plans by outsiders to disrupt Weedpatch?

22. Do you find the ending surprising, numbing, humbling, disturbing, uncomfortable, or inspiring, or any other emotion? Explain your answer.

23. The Joads leave camp. In one last essay, describe what happens: to the Joads, Rose’s baby, their potential for a future. (2 paragraphs)

24. Why do you think Steinbeck chose the title The Grapes of Wrath for this novel?

25. Whose journey is The Grapes of Wrath about?

Connections

What is Steinbeck commenting on?

Historical:

Philosophical:

Textual:

Personal:

Did you like the book? Explain:

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