THE GRAPES OF WRATH
What's New? For Teachers For Students Steinbeck and the book The Play
Study guide for a collaborative project
of the Alabama School of Fine Arts and
the University of Alabama at Birmingham
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DISCUSSION PROMPTS
for Chapter 2:


 · 
Write a character analysis for Tom Joad. Include observations about his physical characteristics and his mannerisms. What does his handling of the grasshopper connote about him?

 · How does this chapter set up an opposition between bosses and workers?

 · What clues are given as to Tom's whereabouts before he reveals he has been in prison?

 · How does your historical knowledge of the Dust Bowl become relevant in Chapter 2?

 · See pictures of antique slot machines such as the one mentioned in the chapter
Pie Town Cafe
Lee, Russell. “Pie Town Café.” 1940. America from the Great Depression to WWII Photographs from the FSA-OWL, 1935-1945
Vachon, John. “Truck on A North Dakota Highway.” 1940. Documenting America, Library of Congress
Rothstein, Arthur. "Truck Driver in Diner; Clinton, Indiana." February 1940. America from the Great Depression to WWII Photographs from the FSA-OWL, 1935-1945