Setting Essay Option #1 (Select two settings and compare or contrast them. Everything can be similar or different, so you still need to make an argument.) Thesis: In John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, both Route 66 and California lead to the disintegration of the Joad family. Body Paragraph #1 – As the Joads travel along Route 66 to California, both settings create doubt and fear in the Joad family. R#1 – Route 66 R #2 - California Body Paragraph #2 – In addition to doubt and fear, the Joads gradually fall apart as a family unit. R #1 – Route 66 R #2 - California Body Paragraph #3 – Finally, both settings gradually create anger and resentment within the Joad family, as they continue to get bullied by those different than them. R #1 – Route 66 R #2 - California

Thesis: In John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, both Route 66 and California lead to the disintegration of the Joad family. Body Paragraph #1 – Route 66 R#1 – Doubt & Fear R #2 – Lose family members R #3 – Bullied by those different than them Setting Essay Option #1 (Select two settings and compare or contrast them. Everything can be similar or different, so you still need to make an argument.) Body Paragraph #2 – California R#1 – Doubt & Fear R #2 – Lose family members R #3 – Bullied by those different than them

Setting Essay Option #2 (How do both aspects of setting (time and place) enhance either the characters actions or conflict within the story?) Thesis: In John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, Jim Casy’s experiences in Oklahoma and California during the depression, led to his belief in family of man. Body Paragraph #1 – At the beginning of the novel, Jim Casy expresses his new belief in the human spirit, as he senses a change in the country and sees the impact of both the dust bowl and the depression on the tenant farmers. Body Paragraph #2 – While on Route 66, Casy witness the migration of a country and begins to question the movement and also support the migrant farmers on the road. Body Paragraph #3 – When in California, Casy becomes the leader of the migrant movement, and takes on the cause of fighting for the migrant people and preaches the idea of family of man.

A Few More Thoughts.... Make an argument. Prove something! Select ideas that can be argued. Be as specific as possible in your thesis statement. Don’t simply say that the characters enhanced the setting. For this first essay, follow the RSE structure in your body paragraphs. Break your thesis down into two or three key points and then break those points down into reasons. An “A” paper goes beyond the obvious and says something others wouldn’t say. What can you say that is original and unique? You need a solid, well-supported argument that goes beyond the obvious.

Your Rough Draft – Due Oct. 25/26 Your rough draft must be either a thorough outline or a written rough draft. Your rough draft must include... -A thesis -Body paragraphs with reasons, support and explanations -Show investment and time... You thought about it!