Exploring the Text

1. Note Eric Schlosser’s title, “In the Strawberry Fields.” Compare the imagery evoked by the Beatles song “Strawberry Fields” and the ceremonial place in New York’s Central Park with Schlosser’s description in paragraphs 1 and 2.

   Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: Note Eric Schlosser’s title, “In the Strawberry Fields.” Compare the imagery evoked by the Beatles song “Strawberry Fields” and the ceremonial place in New York’s Central Park with Schlosser’s description in paragraphs 1 and 2.
2. How does Schlosser use the resources of language to characterize the work of the strawberry pickers in paragraph 6?

   Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: How does Schlosser use the resources of language to characterize the work of the strawberry pickers in paragraph 6?
3. What are some of the particular hardships facing the strawberry pickers? Which one does Schlosser say is the worst?

   Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: What are some of the particular hardships facing the strawberry pickers? Which one does Schlosser say is the worst?
4. Explain the rhetorical shift that Schlosser makes from “La Fruta del Diablo” to “Locked into Dependence.”

   Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: Explain the rhetorical shift that Schlosser makes from “La Fruta del Diablo” to “Locked into Dependence.”
5. According to Schlosser, how has economics changed the land and the population?

   Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: According to Schlosser, how has economics changed the land and the population?
6. Schlosser concludes paragraphs 16 and 17 with claims. Analyze his arguments according to the Toulmin model as explained in Chapter 3.

   Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: Schlosser concludes paragraphs 16 and 17 with claims. Analyze his arguments according to the Toulmin model as explained in Chapter 3.
7. What aspects of strawberry production differ significantly from the production of broccoli, celery, or cauliflower (para. 18)? How does this affect the lives of the workers?

   Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: What aspects of strawberry production differ significantly from the production of broccoli, celery, or cauliflower (para. 18)? How does this affect the lives of the workers?
8. Explain the nature of the economic imperative that concludes the section “Locked into Dependence” (para. 23).

   Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: Explain the nature of the economic imperative that concludes the section “Locked into Dependence” (para. 23).
9. How do you feel about the conditions described in the selection? Does reading it influence your attitude toward eating strawberries? Toward migrant workers? Explain.

   Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: How do you feel about the conditions described in the selection? Does reading it influence your attitude toward eating strawberries? Toward migrant workers? Explain.
10. Why does Schlosser conclude with narration and personal experience?

    Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: Why does Schlosser conclude with narration and personal experience?
11. How would you characterize Schlosser’s tone in the concluding paragraphs (34–35)? Do you agree with his conclusions? Why or why not?

    Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: How would you characterize Schlosser’s tone in the concluding paragraphs (34–35)? Do you agree with his conclusions? Why or why not?
12. Select an example of a general statement, such as the one that concludes the first section: “On hillsides above the Salinas Valley, hundreds of strawberry pickers have been found living in caves.” Then read the endnote that corresponds to the sentence. Explain the relationship between the endnote and the text. What is the rhetorical function of the endnote? Overall, what effect do the endnotes have on ethos and logos? Explain.

    Chapter 7 - from “In the Strawberry Fields” - Exploring the Text: Select an example of a general statement, such as the one that concludes the first section: “On hillsides above the Salinas Valley, hundreds of strawberry pickers have been found living in caves.” Then read the endnote that corresponds to the sentence. Explain the relationship between the endnote and the text. What is the rhetorical function of the endnote? Overall, what effect do the endnotes have on ethos and logos? Explain.