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?
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?
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