Writing Assignment #1: the Grapes of Wrath

English 2 A.M.D.G. Ms. Herrick

Writing Assignment #1: The Grapes of Wrath

Assignment: Provide a 3-page, thesis-driven critical analysis of the significance of one of the themes or concepts that you prepared during your summer reading of The Grapes of Wrath. This paper must analyze, not summarize, how elements of the story (scenes, characters, quotes) work together to establish your theme’s value and implications. You may combine two themes if you prefer; however, one theme must clearly guide the essay’s argument, while the other should be used for support. You may expand upon the theme you analyzed for your summer reading test’s essay portion, but need to incorporate new examples and ideas and expand your analysis.

Themes and Concepts: The Role of Nature The Role of Gender The Development of Leadership/Power The Function of Machines/Mechanization The Role of Violence The Role of Religion The Function of Collective Action or Individual Action The Overarching Tone and Mood: Optimistic or Pessimistic? The Consequences (Positive and Negative) of Poverty The Notion of the Family and Family Dynamics The Function of the Episodic (non-Joad) Chapters The Function of Peripheral/Minor Characters (non-Joads) The Function of Water Imagery

Requirements:  Craft an argumentative thesis that clearly guides the argument’s development.  Use at least one relevant, significant textual quotation from The Grapes of Wrath per body paragraph.  Provide a strong, detailed, and thoroughly explained analysis to support your arguments.  Use at least three detailed examples from the text per body paragraph. Explain in detail how each example relates to the topic statement of the corresponding paragraph. o Do not be afraid to make bold statements/comparisons as long as you can support your idea with a specific detail from the text.  MLA citations and formatting are required. This includes font and document spacing.  DO NOT consult or cite any outside sources.  Utilize the Editing Checklist during the drafting stage and attach a completed copy to your final essay.

Critical Dates:  Thesis statement due Friday, 9/6 at noon  Working draft must be ready on Tuesday, 9/10  Final paper due to Turnitin.com and hard copy in class on Thursday, 9/12