Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to analyze the themes and symbols in the novel "Grapes of Wrath" and make connections to real-world events.
Materials and Prep
- Copy of the novel "Grapes of Wrath"
- Notebook or paper for taking notes
Prior knowledge: Familiarity with basic literary analysis terms (e.g., theme, symbol).
Activities
Read the assigned chapters of "Grapes of Wrath" for today's lesson.
Take notes while reading, focusing on identifying themes and symbols within the text.
After reading, choose one symbol from the novel and create a visual representation of it. Explain why you think the symbol is significant.
Reflect on the themes present in the novel and write a short paragraph discussing how they relate to real-world events or social issues today.
Eighth Grade Talking Points
"Grapes of Wrath" is a novel written by John Steinbeck during the Great Depression, a time of economic crisis in the United States.
The novel follows the Joad family as they migrate from Oklahoma to California in search of a better life.
One of the key themes in the novel is the struggle for survival and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Steinbeck uses various symbols throughout the novel to convey deeper meanings. For example, the "grapes of wrath" symbolize both the wrath of the oppressed and the potential for uprising against injustice.
By analyzing the themes and symbols in "Grapes of Wrath," we can gain a better understanding of the historical context and the social issues that were prevalent during the Great Depression.
It is important to make connections between the events in the novel and real-world issues today, such as economic inequality, migrant workers' rights, and the impact of environmental changes on farming communities.