“You don’t have to sell your soul to the devil, just to the highest bidder”
From an Alice Walker work
Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.
By Order of the Author
Mark Twain from “Huckleberry Finn”
Meeting: May 2015
Questions provided by Dr. James Harold:
1. Give your overall opinion of this novel. How does it compare to other Steinbeck works you have read? How does “east coast Steinbeck” compare to “west coast Steinbeck”?
2. Explain the significance of the title.
3. This novel takes place between Easter and the Fourth of July weekends. Discuss the metaphorical significance of this.
4. Ethan Hawley’s beliefs and character have many influences. Discuss the influence of those from the past such as Aunt Deborah, the Hawley Family ancestors, the military, and any others.
5. Discuss his more current influences-Mary and his kids, Margie, money, Marullo, and others.
6. Critics and reviewers feel Steinbeck is addressing the moral issues of mid 20th century America. Are these issues present in modern day America? The world?
7. The story is told from the point of view of Ethan’s thoughts. Does this work? As Steinbeck’s editor, what suggestions would you have made before publication?
1. Give your overall opinion of this novel. How does it compare to other Steinbeck works you have read? How does “east coast Steinbeck” compare to “west coast Steinbeck”?
2. Explain the significance of the title.
3. This novel takes place between Easter and the Fourth of July weekends. Discuss the metaphorical significance of this.
4. Ethan Hawley’s beliefs and character have many influences. Discuss the influence of those from the past such as Aunt Deborah, the Hawley Family ancestors, the military, and any others.
5. Discuss his more current influences-Mary and his kids, Margie, money, Marullo, and others.
6. Critics and reviewers feel Steinbeck is addressing the moral issues of mid 20th century America. Are these issues present in modern day America? The world?
7. The story is told from the point of view of Ethan’s thoughts. Does this work? As Steinbeck’s editor, what suggestions would you have made before publication?
