THE GRAPES OF WRATH Themes and Perspectives The

THE GRAPES OF WRATH Themes and Perspectives

The ‘Poor and Powerless’ What is Steinbeck’s overall message regarding the migrant farm workers during the 1930 s depression era in America? Find specific quotes from the novel to support your ideas.

1. Steinbeck’s message – points to consider Migrant workers are exposed to trials and tribulations What are these trials and tribulations? The exploitative influence of large companies and American banks / capitalist forces How are these forces developed or represented in the novel? Migrants are portrayed as dignified, resilient and respectful despite these obstacles How is this representation developed throughout the novel?

Characterisation – how are the following characters respectful and dignified in the face of their obstacles? Tom Joad –Muley Graves? Ma? Pa? Rose of Sharon? Jim Casey?

Language Techniques – Extended metaphor What extended metaphors can you identify in the novel which develop the idea that the migrant workers are respectful and dignified in the face of their obstacles? 1. Turtle 2. Religious analogy – the family as ‘God’s people’ embarking on the Exodus. 3. Characters – Burying the dead, Rose of Sharon’s final act of selflessness. > How are these metaphors extended throughout the novel? > What symbols are included to help develop these metaphors?

‘Individuals’ to the ‘Community’ What is Steinbeck’s message with regard to the relation between individuals and their community? How is this developed throughout the novel? Find specific quotes to support your ideas.

2. Steinbeck’s message – points to consider What is Steinbeck’s main critique of 1930 s American society in the Depression era? How are the intercalary vignette chapters important in developing this overall message of the novel? How does Steinbeck develop theme of social injustice and inhumanity in the novel?

Techniques and metaphors How does Steinbeck’s metaphor of the migrant as ‘bugs’ help to develop his theme of the inherent social injustice of capitalism and the inhumanity of people towards other people? How is the highway, the route 66, represented as a place where the migrant workers can form a sense of community to combat the negative effects of the unjust and dehumanizing effects of capitalism and the economic forces of the depression era?

Characterisation How do characters develop theme of how people banding together into a community can overcome the damaging effects of dehumanizing capitalist forces? Jim Casey? Ma? Rose of Sharon? Tom Joad?