Small group discussion Grapes of Wrath Small group discussion

You may use my questions to discuss or your own What does the setting of the opening scene suggest about the rest of the novel? What does it suggest about the family structure? What opinions does Casey, the former preacher, have about sin and using "bad words?" What is the importance of Muley in the story? What is the difference between being the hunter and being the hunted? What do the faces of the Joad family reveal about them? What are the most important characteristics of Ma and Pa? What happens to solidify the family during their migration? What is Ma's philosophy of "holdin' on?' When the car breaks down, what is significant about Ma's reaction? How does the breakdown affect the relationship between Tom and Al? Why are the Joads called Oakies? Discuss some of the other words and phrases used in the film/novel. Does California look the way the characters thought it would? Why do the local people fear the migrants? What is a Hooverville? How did a Hooverville get its name? How can people starve when fruit is overabundant? Why do the Joads leave the government camp at Weedpatch? What does Tom discover about Casey? How does Tom react to Casey's attack? How does the rain affect the lives of the migrants? What is the impact of Rose of Sharon's stillbirth? Why is her feeding of a starving man and her mysterious smile an appropriate ending?

The Grapes of Wrath exam will be this Thursday The Grapes of Wrath exam will be this Thursday *You may bring your novel to use to aid you on the exam. Remember: you are not able to re-take any literature assessments, so study!!!!