Grapes Guide.pdf - Minnesota Opera

John Steinbeck: An American Writer Worksheet
Lesson 9
name
directions
You will be working with a group of 3–4 other students to prepare a symposium presentation of selected scenes from
the libretto of the opera, The Grapes of Wrath. You will receive two grades for this assignment: an individual grade
and a group grade. Each evaluation will be worth ____ points. All group members MUST be equally involved in
the presentation itself. (NOTE: Before you begin, all group members should reread your assigned scenes and should read the Lisca
essays, Appendix A and Appendix B.)
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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