Hidden Symbols

This passage discusses the use of “intercalary” chapters in The Grapes of Wrath to highlight broader social and economic issues. These chapters provide background on the lives of migrant workers, showing their struggles and suffering. Students will learn how Steinbeck uses these chapters to create a bigger picture of the Great Depression. It explains how these chapters build the novel’s deeper themes and connect the reader to the collective experience.

This worksheet helps students understand the importance of intercalary chapters and how they contribute to the overall message of a novel. It encourages critical thinking about narrative structure and how different parts of a text serve thematic purposes. Vocabulary related to social issues and literary analysis will be developed. Additionally, students will refine their ability to recognize how minor details connect to larger themes in literature.