1. LO: What factors in American Society can I relate to the novel?
The American Dream is not the only issue you can relate to Steinbeck’s novel.
What other issues exist in society? Think about what you see in the news.
Issues in society
Race
racism, sexism, poverty, all the wealth held by a few, disability, old age etc.

2. LO: What factors in American Society can I relate to the novel?
Re-cap Section Summarise in 6 bullet points what happens/who we meet.

3. LO: What factors in American Society can I relate to the novel?
What social issues might the characters introduced on the ranch symbolise?
The Boss
Curley’s Wife
Curley
Crooks
Slim
Candy

4. LO: What factors in American Society can I relate to the novel?
Character
Issue they represent in society
Quotes
Curley
Has wealth handed to him.
Could he be seen as a victim?
The Boss
Top of the hierarchy and holds all the wealth– the men’s dream is to be their own boss.
Has he fulfilled the American Dream?
Why is he nameless?
“Short, quick steps of a fat-legged man” (page 42)
“turned abruptly” (page 44)
Curley’s Wife
Sexism
Crooks
Racism – he is outcast from the other men in his own buck. Called a ‘nigger’ and beaten up.
Candy
Old Age

5. LO: What factors in American Society can I relate to the novel?
How does Steinbeck use his characters to suggest issues within American society?
Success Criteria:
Your point discusses which character conveys which issue.
Your quote is evidence for this.
You look at a word or technique in the quote.
You explain what Steinbeck is saying about American society. Challenge: You consider an alternative reading of your quote.
Example: Steinbeck uses the character of Curley’s Wife to convey the sexism in America at the time. This can be seen through her lack of name. Through referring to her as “Curley’s wife” it implies that she is owned by a man and that this ownership defines who she is as a person/character. Steinbeck doesn’t allow the reader to discover her name to highlight that woman lacked rights and were merely possessions in America at the time.

6. LO: What factors in American Society can I relate to the novel?
Success Criteria:
Your point discusses which character conveys which issue.
Your quote is evidence for this.
You look at a word or technique in the quote.
You explain what Steinbeck is saying about American society. Challenge: You consider an alternative reading of your quote.
Highlight or underline where you have met the success criteria. What could you improve?

7. Homework: Answer the questions on page 36 of your text. Q1-5
Homework: Answer the questions on page 36 of your text. Q These should be answered in full paragraphs and you should try to use quotes in your answers.