An unforgettable classic, this best-selling novel depicts the Joads and the thousands like them who lost their land in the midst of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl of the mid-1930s. Current concerns about the environment and the gap between rich and poor make this story of characters’ “education of the heart” increasingly relevant to today’s students.
Students analyze themes and characters, recognize motifs and symbols, and examine imagery and language. They also explore gender roles, biblical allusions, the story’s mythic roots, and philosophies at the heart of the novel. Lessons encourage development of critical thinking skills, allow for individual and group work, provide discussion questions, and suggest enrichment activities.
Supplementary materials include essay questions, vocabulary words, and a final test with answer key.
