tGOW: 12& 13

Character groups: (20 minutes)
Let's break up into some character groups. Along with the four we started (Ma, Pa, Tom, & Jim), we'll add Rose of Sharon, Uncle John, and Ruthie & Winfield. The latter three groups need to start new google docs.

Discussion questions: (55 minutes)

1. Chapter 12 is somewhat chaotic in its narrative. Why do you think Steinbeck did that?

2. What is xenophobia and how can we see it expressed in these two chapters? How can you foresee it playing a large role in the remainder of the novel?

3. What is the first unpleasant event on the Joad's journey and what does it foreshadow about what lies ahead?

4. What's the significance of Granpa's death?

5. What is the value of Jim Casy's prayer on p.144? What are the Joads and the reader to take away from it?

tGOW: In-class writing #1

Here we go!!

tGOW: 10 & 11

Some writing and reading work

As time permits:
Where is the Californian dream present in current society? How has it changed? Stayed the same?

Review of the upcoming in-class writing

tGOW: 7-9

Character groups: What have we learned? Who have we met? Share away in groups and then report back to the larger group. (Ma, Pa, Tom & Jim Casy) Use iPads, create a shared google doc, and then flash on the screen.

Discussion questions:

1. What is Tom's homecoming like? What does it reveal about the Joad family structure?

2. Three family members have asked Tom Joad if he busted out of jail. What does this reveal about the family? About Tom?

3. At the close of the chapter 9, the family (not the Joads) burns its belongings. Why?
4. What's the significance of the line:"How can we live without our lives? How will we know it's us without our past?" (88).

5. What animals have we encountered in these chapters? What do they signify/connote?

tGOW: 5 & 6

Writing
On pages 35 & 51 Steinbeck shows the connection between the people and the land. He makes a strong case for the land's role in the identity of each person living in the Great Plains. Of course, with the Dust Bowl in full effect and the people losing their land, part of their identity is lost as well. Not good. Last class you wrote about possessions that were important to you. Now I want you write about a location that is important to you. Think of a place that holds lots of memories. A place where you feel connected to. Identify this place and tell me a little bit about why it's so significant.

Discussion Questions — Break into small group

1. Chapter five addresses a stark contrast between an "us" and a "them". How does this dichotomy erode community? Think about the tone created in this chapter and the language that leads you to that tone.

2. How does prioritizing the self negatively/positively affect a community?

3. What kinds of animals have we seen in these chapters and what might those animals represent? Look closely at the last few lines of Chpt 6. What is Steinbeck trying to convey about life on the plains?
4. When commenting on the sense of his time in prison, Tom says, "That kind of senselessness worries a man," (55). He also says some three times he would repeat the crime he committed. What do these thoughts reveal about Tom's character? His beliefs on life?

tGOW: Chpts 1-4

A little free write to get us thinking about the Joads and their migration (20 minutes)

You suddenly have to leave your home. You must leave your belongings behind, and, aside from a few clothes, you can take only four of your possessions. What would you take? In a letter to a friend, identify these possessions. Then explain what those items mean to you and why you chose as you did. Include your feelings about the items you had to leave behind and any anger or frustration that you felt, as well as sadness.

• Close reading: What do the first two paragraphs tell us about the story and the value of the land? Looking closely at the language, what kind of tone is set? (remember when we talk about tone we use adjectives; move beyond the basic)

• Main characters introduced: Tom Joad & Jim Casy (we hear about Ma, Pa & Uncle John) 

• What do we know about each character (use text to support statements)?

• Rules for living/personal motto

• What makes them different from others/other Joads?

• Does the character reveal any specific vulnerability?

• Does the character show any gestures of love and/or betrayal?

• How is the idea of struggle set forth in the first four chapters?

• What's up with that turtle? What could the turtle symbolize?

Day 1: Second semester! Woot! Woot!

1. Let's remember each other's names ... In one word, tell us about your break. ONE WORD!!
2. The Grapes of Wrath: where's the syllabus and what the heck are we doing?
3. Surviving the Dust Bowl (start at 3:00)
4. As time permits: let's look at the opening paragraphs of the novel