Choose one of the following:
1. Compare and contrast Steinbeck’s Tom Joad and Bruce’s version of the same character. How are they similar? How are they different? Be specific and draw examples from the text of the novel and the lyrics of the song.

2. Bruce didn’t know Woody Guthrie since the latter had died when Bruce was very young. But supposing he had, what do you think he would have thought of Guthrie the man? You’ll have to do some digging to answer this one.

3. Do some research on the bracero program. What exactly was it? And how has its effects impacted the views on immigration that we find in Bruce’s music in, for example, a song like “Across the Border?”