Planning answers on The Grapes of Wrath: classic, journey, genre

Topic 1: Is The Grapes of Wrath (GW) a classic novel?

A POSSIBLE PLAN

1. Is GW a classic?

- Definition of a classic

- how GW is a classic: themes, applications, innovatory techniques, language, etc.

- comparisons with other novels: English and American

2. Explain its legendary place in American literature & culture

- Whereas, Shakespeare celebrates court intrigue./kings & nobles, .. . .

- GW dignifies the common man

- GW values individuals' lives/common people as bearers of an 'oversoul'

3. Steinbeck as outstanding classic novelist

- compassion scenes - examples

- dramatises universals

- believes in social justice/highlights the evils of greedy banks and government

- Steinbeck earns place in pantheon of classic authors.

Topic 2: Journey structure

A POSSIBLE PLAN

1. Advantages of using the journey structure

shifting scene always interesting

meet many characters - comprehensive effects of Depression -serves theme of national conscience

building up a general impression (serves Steinbeck's 'purpose')

journey from dust to flood

heightens survival characteristics

offers cinematic possibilities

2. Disadvantages

changes traditional emphasis on characters

theme dominates/selects setting

'contains' the plot too much

journey to no where - no climax (was anticlimax intended?)

3. Assess its success in fact

your opinion

intercalary chapter structure

damage to the genre of the novel with this new structure?

© G. Smith 1998

The genre of The Grapes of Wrath

Steinbeck finds a new use for the novel; he redefines its genre:

After your reading, indicate which option best describes The Grapes of Wrath. Is it:

• a novel as description of society, a conventional entertainment
• a novel as a documentary about society with its stark realism, almost a scientific analysis of society
• a novel as 'engaged fiction' (Parini) for society; with focused criticisms; it is a catalyst to raising concern; a novel as critique
• a novel as propaganda to society, a medium for a creed outlining Principles to Live By; it explicates a Philosophy for Living
• a novel as a manifesto for a future soicety; a political programme or revolution?

© G. Smith 2000

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