As for your revisions, remember that we are focused on learning, not grading. If you revise your essay, it will make you a better writer even if it doesn't affect your grade. If your first draft was a C- or below, you really need to revise to make sure you have the synthesis skills necessary for future papers.
It's easiest for me (and therefore, you) if you can scan your first draft into a single file and e-mail it to me along with your revision. I'll have plenty of time this weekend to read. If you can't do that (I don't own a scanner; why would I expect all of you to own one?) bring the revision to me on Monday. I'll do my best to make sure your grade accurately reflects your learning and understanding (but not, alas, your effort; there are no effort grades in AP).
Have a good Thanksgiving. I hope you all have plenty to be thankful for.
AP Language and Comp
Grapes of Wrath Essay Exam Topics
Argumentative Questions:
Compare the treatment of the migrant “Okies” in the novel to the treatment of modern immigrant workers. What can modern readers learn from the similarities and the differences of these situations?
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that The Grapes of Wrath is anti-religious.
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that The Grapes of Wrath is a patriotic novel.
How would Steinbeck define justice? Point to three examples of justice or injustice (consider the author’s rewards and punishments) to support your answer. Does his definition agree with or contradict with yours?
Defend, challenge, or qualify the claim that Casy becomes a “better” man after he renounces his faith. Be certain to define what “better” means.
In the novel, Steinbeck argues that being connected to nature makes people bigger while being disconnected from nature makes them smaller. How does he define big and small? How do these definitions connect to the other arguments in the novel?
Rhetorical Analysis Questions:
Steinbeck did not merely want his readers to be moved by his novel, he wanted them moved to act. What actions does Steinbeck argue for? Be sure to keep your answer to this question rooted in the text.
Consider how Steinbeck’s writing style is a reaction to, rejection of, or embracement of each of the following styles of American Literature: The Age of Faith, The Age of Reason, Romanticism, Gothic Literature, Transcendentalism, Realism, and Naturalism.
Be prepared to write a rhetorical analysis of one of the interchapters. This will require you to identify the purpose of the given chapter and three rhetorical strategies Steinbeck employs to achieve his purpose.
Consider Steinbeck’s thoughts about government in Chapter 17. How do his arguments in this chapter connect to his thoughts about society in other areas of the book?
How does Steinbeck use the structure of the novel to advance his arguments?
Consider the role of nature in the novel. Think both about the connections (or lack thereof) between people and land and the role of weather in the novel. Are his attitudes towards nature consistent? Inconsistent? Contradictory? How do they fit into his arguments about man and God?
Explore the idea that the first chapter of the novel tells the entire story through symbolism.
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