The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Exploring Media for Social Change

Learning Objectives: Students will be able to:  Identify various rhetorical devices (including Ethos, Pathos, Logos, Anaphora, Alliteration etc.); Analyze the function of each device in an attempt to answer the EQ  Identify various biblical and historical allusions throughout GOW and other political texts; Analyze the purpose and function of those allusions  Write and deliver their own persuasive speech using a variety of rhetorical methods discussed through the unit [“Now is the Time…”] in order to demonstrate and internalize their understanding of the EQ

Essential Questions:  What inspires people to stand up for their rights?  What inspires people to stand up for the rights of others?

William Lester, The Three Crosses  Deconstructing the traditional notion of Christianity through the symbolism of regrowth, rebirth and resurrection  These concepts parallel Jim Casy’s (JC) revolutionary philosophy throughout The Grapes of Wrath For what purpose would an artist utilize Christian symbols to make a political statement? Visual Analysis Description Interpretation Speculation

Making Connections: 1930’s Grapes of Wrath  Read excerpt from Ch. 25 of The Grapes of Wrath  Listen to and read lyrics to “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”; Discuss and analyze the function and purpose of rhythm, direct and indirect Biblical references 1950’s-present day  Listen to part of MLK’s “Our God is Marching On!” speech  Read and analyze excerpted transcript also looking closely at rhetorical devices, including anaphora, ethos, pathos and biblical/historical allusions  Listen to part of President Obama’s acceptance speech “The American Promise”  Read and analyze following the same guidelines Why are these rhetorical devices so effective? How might these texts inspire Americans to take action and stand up for their rights and/or the rights of others? Practice sourcing, contextualizing and close reading