Chapters 7-13: Personal Connections

This post is meant to help you think about the reading that you've done so far.  Your blog post should use the same format as what you see below.  If you'd like you may copy and paste it to your new post and complete the entry.

<Begin with a freewrite about your book. Write non-stop about your book. What have you been thinking about your book since you read last?>

I <am / am not> <verb ending with "-ing" that shows emotion> <Title>, by <Author's First and Last Name> because <Finish this sentence.> An example of what I mean is on page < ___ >.  "<Copy a couple of lines or a paragraph from the book.>" I think this is <adjective> because... <Add 1 or 2 sentences>
So far, the <plot / characters / themes> in <Title> reminds me of something important in my life. For me. <Finish this one, then add 3 or 4 more sentences explaining how you see the big idea of this book playing out in your life.>

I <am / am not> looking forward to reading the rest of this book because <Add 2 or 3 sentences explaining why you feel this way.> What's probably going to happen next is <Make predictions about what will happen next to one or more of the characters in your book>

Chapters 3-6: Economic and Political Pressures

When Tom makes it home with Casy he is surprised to find that his family has been run off the farm.  Before long, the men meet up with Muley Graves and over dinner they discuss what happened.

Discuss the role of the banks, the impact on the farmers, and why farmers decide to work with the banks to, "look out for their own."

Chapters 1-2: Meeting Tom Joad

    The hitch-hiker stood up and looked across through the windows.
"Could ya give me a lift, mister?"
    The driver looked quickly back at the restaurant for a second.  "Didn't you see the No Riders sticker on the win'shield?"
    "Sure - I seen it.  But sometimes a guy'll be a good guy even if some rich bastard makes him carry a sticker."
    The driver, getting slowly into the truck, considered the parts of this answer.  If he refused now, not only was he not a good guy, but he was forced to carry a sticker, was not allowed to have company.  If he took in the hitch-hiker he was automatically a good guy and also he was not one whom any rich bastard could kick around. 

There is a lot going on in the first conversation we see with Tom Joad and the truck driver.  Please consider the deeper meaning of this introduction and post a response that discusses Tom's persuasive technique for getting the ride and the drivers reasoning behind breaking company rules.  Your response should include some references to how the poor may view the wealthy.

The Grapes of Wrath

During our study of The Grapes of Wrath we will be recording our responses, thinking beyond the text, and considering multiple points of view.  The main themes that will act as our lenses for learning will be: The qualities of leadership that transcend class; Upward mobility within America's class structure depends on access to educational and economic opportunities; and Great leaders can emerge from adversity.

Each student will contribute to the weekly class blog, posting an approximately 250-word response to the week’s readings. I will post prompts and questions at least once a week, but possibly bi-weekly.  You may be asked to post to your blog as a homework assignment in order to engage in the text while the reading is fresh in your mind.  Strive for thoughtfulness and nuance when posting your responses.

The rubric for student blog posting can be found on the class wiki.  I plan on graded your posts via comments to your entries from time to time.  Each graded post will be worth 10 points.