The Grapes of Wrath Intercalary Chapters Assignment: Relationships between Chapters
Since the publication of The Grapes of Wrath, the inner chapters have been the topic of much discussion
and disagreement among critics. Despite differing views on their purpose, it is widely accepted that
Steinbeck crafted these “inner” (intercalary) chapters with intention and he had a rationale for every
inner chapter’s content and placement.
This assignment is to analyze the purpose of the intercalary chapters and their connection to the
narrative chapters that come after the intercalary chapters. Twelve chapters after Chapter 2 in The
Grapes of Wrath focus on the Joad family (4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) and each narrative
chapter is preceded by one or two of the “inner chapters” (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25,
27)
Groups of students are assigned to intercalary and narrative chapters below. Each group is responsible
for paraphrasing/summarizing both the intercalary chapter and the narrative chapter that follows.
Include two of the most important quotations. Groups will have 7 minutes to present. Students should
take notes while others are presenting.
Presentation should include:
1. Main theme of intercalary chapter (which theme from the Novel) and explain why
2. Brief Summary of Narrative Chapter and how it relates to intercalary chapter/theme
3. Two important quotes from each chapter/explanation of why quotes are important
4. Poster Board with theme and Image/Picture that relates to Intercalary and narrative chapters
Date
Wednesday 12/2
Wednesday 12/2
Friday 12/4
Friday 12/4
Monday 12/7
Wednesday 12/9
Friday 12/11
Friday 12/11
Monday 12/14
Monday 12/14
Wednesday 12/16
Wednesday 12/16
Chapters for Presentation
Intercalary 3/ Narrative 4
Intercalary 5/ Narrative 6
Intercalary 7/ Narrative 8
Intercalary 9/ Narrative 10
Intercalary 11/ Narrative 13
Intercalary 12/ Narrative 13
Intercalary 14/ Narrative 16
Intercalary 15/ Narrative 16
Intercalary 17/ Narrative 18
Intercalary 19/ Narrative 20
Intercalary 21/ Narrative 22
Intercalary 23/ Narrative 24
Intercalary 25/ Narrative 26
Intercalary 27/ Narrative 28
Reading Schedule:
Due Monday 11/30 Chapters 9-12
Due Tuesday 12/1 Chapter 13
Due Wednesday 12/2 Chapters 14
Due Thursday 12/3 Chapter 15
Due Friday 12/4 Chapter 16-18
Due Monday 12/14 Chapter 19-20
Due Monday 1/04 Chapter 21-25
Due Thursday 1/03 Chapter 26-27
Due Monday 1/11 28 – 30 Finish novel
Wednesday 1/13 GOW Final Exam
Student Presenters
McKayla, Natalie, Kiley
Tyler, Joey, Martine, Blake
Brenna, Alexis, Cameron, Dylan
Brendan, Alyssa, Emilie, Allison
Selena, Cynthia, Abel
Nate, Han, Tyler, Alex
Josh, Alan, Nick
Julio, Ryan, Julian, Sergio
Julio, Alexis, Jonathan, Nick
Review as a class
Review as a class
Review as a class