For many farmers displaced by the Great Depression and the droughts of the 1930s, California represented the American Dream: a place to find work, to establish a new life, and to provide for their families. The reality they found, as depicted in The Grapes of Wrath, was far different. An American Masters video introduces readers to John Steinbeck's award-winning story of the Okies' pursuit of the American Dream.

Concepts

john steinbeck, the grapes of wrath, the dust bowl, the american dream, the great depression

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• After completing the novel, have groups research the many parallels including the turtle's journey across the road and the Joad's journey, the parallels between Jim Casy and Jesus Christ, the Joad's camps and Hoovervilles, the Joad's journey and the Biblical story of Moses

Classroom Considerations

• Use the video to begin a study of the novel; however, due to the many spoilers, save the support materials until after readers have finished
• Presumes pupils have studied the Great Depression and the dust bowl
• The resource comes with a warning that it contains sensitive materials; therefore, preview the resource to determine if appropriate for your classes
• One of a series of PBS resources devoted to The Grapes of Wrath

Pros

• The resource contains the video, handouts, discussion questions, teaching tips, and a background reading

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.9-10.4 RL.9-10.10a RL.11-12.4 RL.11-12.10a RI.9-10.7