Topic 1

In a letter to a friend, quoted in the introduction to some editions of the novel, Steinbeck said that he did not want to champion any particular viewpoint in the book, but rather that he “wanted to be merely a recording consciousness, judging nothing, simply putting down the thing.” Discuss how successful you think he was in maintaining this kind of objectivity toward his subject matter.

Topic 2

Some critics have argued that the characters of In Dubious Battle are flat and lack complexity. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with this assessment. Which characters would you classify as flat and which as round? What techniques does Steinbeck use to develop the characters?

Topic 3

One of the themes developed in the novel is the idea of group man. Jim longs to be part of a group and eventually finds purpose and power in being a member of...