Ideas for Group Discussions
Steinbeck's vivid depiction of the struggles faced by migrant workers in the idyllic landscapes of California sparked controversy upon its initial release and continues to provoke intense debate among literary critics, historians, and sociologists. While Steinbeck clearly aligns himself with the Joads and their fellow Oklahomans, the clash of rights—between landowners and those who migrate to California in search of a livelihood—serves as a catalyst for discussions on the hierarchy of legal and moral values, which the novelist meticulously dramatizes.
1. Tom Joad engages in several minor offenses and is pursued by the authorities as a criminal; however, Steinbeck portrays him with considerable sympathy. What does this indicate about the author's view of the law? What does this imply about the tension between legality and morality?
2. Steinbeck derives his title from the Civil War anthem "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Why has he chosen to do this?
3. The Joads arrive in California along with thousands of others impacted by the Great Depression. What insights does Steinbeck offer about the character of individuals experiencing severe poverty?
4. Some critics have accused Steinbeck of promoting socialist values through his work. Do you concur with this assessment? What evidence from the novel supports your viewpoint?
5. In Steinbeck's earlier novel, In Dubious Battle, written shortly before he began the story of the Joads, he explores themes similar to those in The Grapes of Wrath. In what ways does he demonstrate a more advanced level of sophistication in the latter novel?
6. The Grapes of Wrath features some striking descriptions of natural landscapes. How does Steinbeck use these settings to highlight his themes? How does the setting enhance the bitter irony of the story?
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