405F Spring 2026 American Dream Deferred: John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath

405F  American Dream Deferred: John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath
Five sessions
Instructor: Marilyn Harriman
Wednesdays, 11:50—1:15, Mar. 25—Apr. 22
Broadly regarded as the greatest work written by Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath zeroes in on the conflict between the powerful and the powerless. It is the story of one Oklahoma family driven from their home and forced to travel West during the Depression. As the Joads work to attain the American Dream, they face the realities of an America divided by the Haves and the Have-Nots. In this course, we will delve into themes of capitalism and its effects, the struggle for dignity and justice in the face of institutional power, and the importance of family in a world that rewards rugged individualism. Ninety years after the story's events take place, issues such as economic inequality, the plight of migrant workers, homelessness, and environmental problems still resonate. As we discuss the novel, we'll examine its parallels to current societal challenges and analyze Steinbeck's takeaway message.
Marilyn Harriman is a retired Fairfax County Advanced Placement language and composition instructor. She also taught HS and college English and journalism in Oregon, Texas, and Germany. She holds an MEd from the University of Virginia and BA degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Oregon.