Grapes Guide.pdf - Minnesota Opera

The Grapes of Wrath Opera Box
lesson plan
title of lesson
Lesson 9: Symposium Assignment
objective(s)
Students will understand the large concepts that make up The Grapes of Wrath.
material(s)
• LIBRETTO The Grapes of Wrath (one per student)
• BOOK The Grapes of Wrath (one per student)
• Symposium Assignment Worksheet (one copy per student)
• Teacher’s Guide – Appendix A and B (one copy per student)
• Large sheet of paper (at least 4 x 4)
• Various other items to illustrate presentation (see final symposium step for details)
procedures and assessments
Depending on the amount of time you plan to spend with the opera in class, this assignment pulls together several
of the previous smaller assignments into one activity which puts the onus of reading and interpretation on the
students themselves. We suggest this would be appropriate for older and more advanced students who are capable of
this kind of independent work. They could use the libretto study questions as a guide to their analysis. They should
also be directed to other activities within this study guide which will guide their research.
The Grapes of Wrath: Symposium Assignment
The symposium will include:
• A large time line/map of the Joad family’s progress through your scenes labeled with significant details and
events. The map should include AT LEAST FIVE quotations from the text to illustrate the events chosen. The
map should be large enough to be seen from the back of the room. (Bonus points for illustrations.)
• An oral explanation of your scenes including a scene-by-scene recounting of the events of the narrative,
including detailed references to the following:
– Events
– Character development
– Symbols (including names, images, Biblical references, etc.)
– Three or more quotations from the libretto to illustrate your points (in addition to the 5 on the map)
– Important themes being developed
– Two relevant examples of naturalism seen in your scenes
The symposium will also include three cuttings from the libretto (acted out – sung or spoken) of no more than two
minutes each. These should represent key moments which reinforce main themes or character development, not just
events alone.
The symposium should be planned for 20–25 minutes with the last 5 minutes reserved for a discussion. Plan 3–4
discussion questions to share with the class at the end of your presentation.
Note to students: Bonus points for the addition of appropriate music and costumes.
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