Click icon to add pictureThe 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 GOWand 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

1935-1936

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 AnalysisDescriptionInterpretationSpeculation

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