Context

Question 1

American Dream:

Answer 1

• The American dream was the idea that any person could work their way up from the bottom, and
  eventually, through hard work and dedication, could become wealthy and powerful.
• By the late 1920s, the American dream was proving a futile dream (see the great depression and The
  Dust Bowl).

Question 2

Great Depression:

Answer 2

Great Depression:
- In October 1929, the stock market crashed: the Wall Street Crash. This triggered the Great depression, the worst economic collapse in the history of the modern industrial world.
- Many people’s savings were wiped out as banks crashed.
- Unemployment amongst black people reached 50% and 80% amongst the disabled.

Question 3

Racism:

Answer 3

• Jim Crow laws gave legal basis to discriminate.
• Only 50 years since the abolition of slavery
• Segregation left black people isolated and alone (separate bunk house), explains why Crooks is
  desperate to escape.

Question 4

Disability + Old

Answer 4

• mental asylums for families who wouldn’t look after them (shock therapy)
• In an industrial capitalist society, people where only valued for their ability to work, left no room for compassion. Old + Disabled make it difficult to work.

Question 5

Women

Answer 5

• Women were expected to stay in the home and not take jobs away from men.
• It was a very patriarchal society.
• Women gained vote in 1920.
• In 1930s America, women were very much confined to the domestic sphere – they were expected to
  stay at home and be housewives and mothers.

Question 6

When is it set

Answer 6

1930s