The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Theme refers to the central message of a literary work. Themes can be expressed as general truths about people or life. Writers develop themes through careful selection and expression of significant story details, including:
Setting: A story’s setting refers to the time and place in which the events take place. Setting includes the geographical and physical location of the story.
Social, Cultural, and Historical Contexts: The social, cultural, and historical contexts of a story refer to the world of the characters, including major events that affect them. For example, a Civil War story might take place on a hot July day in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The historical context of the story would include the war between the North and the South; the social and cultural contexts of the story would include all the tragedy, conflict, bitterness, and sadness that go with that war.
The Grapes of Wrath takes place in a different era and different social, cultural, and historical context. Look for clues revealed by the characters’ speech, actions, and attitudes in order to understand the social, cultural, and historical contexts of the story.
DIRECTIONS: Answer the questions below based on the excerpt you read from The Grapes of Wrath.
What is the physical and geographical setting of the story? When does the story take place?
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In what kind of community do the characters currently live and what are their livelihoods?
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What is the economic situation in the nation at the time the story takes place? How does this economic situation affect the lives of individuals in the story? In general, what is their mood and attitude toward life?
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How do the characters feel about the people who are buying their belongings?
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What big change is taking place in the characters’ lives? What is their attitude toward their future?
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What is one possible theme of the passage?
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DIRECTIONS: Answer the questions below based on the following story.
Chuck knew it was a tough road for anyone to make it in the music business.
Oh sure, there were stars in the 1930s and 1940s like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. But it was the 1950s now, and though rhythm and blues had gained a wide appeal, Chuck wanted to popularize the style for an even bigger young audience.
Chuck sat in the office of Leonard Chess, the founder of Chess Records. Located in Chicago, Chess Records would come to be known as perhaps the best blues label in the country. Muddy Waters himself had suggested that Chuck pay a visit, as Mr. Chess had great influence. “What’s that Bob Willis song you play?” Mr. Chess asked.
“Yes sir,” Chuck said. “It’s a take on the old ‘Ida Red’ tune. I call mine ‘Maybellene.’ Would you like me to play it?” Mr. Chess nodded. Chuck didn’t expect Mr. Chess to notice one of his country tunes. He started playing in his unique guitar style, and Mr. Chess held up his hands. “You don’t like it?” Chuck asked.
In fact, Mr. Chess felt just the opposite. “I’m afraid I cannot avoid putting your music on the radio,” he said. “It’s just too good, too new, too terrific to ignore.”
Then what was the problem? “The problem,” Mr. Chess said, “is that this is going to turn the music business upside down. Are you ready for it?”
What is the physical and geographical setting of the story? When does the story take place?
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What is the mood and tone of the time in which the story takes place?
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What kind of challenge does Chuck face? How does the cultural context of the story affect Chuck’s challenge?
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What is Chuck’s attitude toward the cultural atmosphere?
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What is one possible theme of the passage?
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- The physical and geographical setting of the story is Chicago in the 1950s.
- The mood and tone of the time in which the story takes place is one of excitement and change in the music industry.
- Chuck faces the challenge of popularizing rhythm and blues for a wider audience in the changing cultural atmosphere of the 1950s music business.
- Chuck has a determined and innovative attitude toward the cultural atmosphere, seeking to make a mark with his unique style of music.
- One possible theme of the passage could be the struggle for innovation and change in a traditional industry.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
What is the physical and geographical setting of the story? When does the story take place?
Type here
In what kind of community do the characters currently live and what are their livelihoods?
Type here
What is the economic situation in the nation at the time the story takes place? How does this economic situation affect the lives of individuals in the story? In general, what is their mood and attitude toward life?
Type here
How do the characters feel about the people who are buying their belongings?
Type here
What big change is taking place in the characters’ lives? What is their attitude toward their future?
Type here
What is one possible theme of the passage?
Type here
- The physical and geographical setting of The Grapes of Wrath is the Dust Bowl region of Oklahoma and California during the Great Depression.
- The characters currently live in a farming community and their livelihoods are based on agriculture.
- The economic situation in the nation at the time is dire, with widespread poverty and unemployment. This economic situation affects the characters in the story by forcing them to leave their homes and look for work in California. Their mood and attitude toward life are one of desperation and hopelessness.
- The characters feel resentful and angry towards the people who are buying their belongings, as they see them as taking advantage of their misfortune.
- The big change taking place in the characters' lives is the loss of their land and livelihood, as well as the journey to California in search of a better life. Their attitude toward their future is uncertain and filled with apprehension.
- One possible theme of the passage could be the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.