Questions and Answers
What weather event does the first chapter describe?
The Dust Bowl
Where has Tom Joad been released from just before he hitches a ride on a truck?
Jail
Why did Tom Joad serve time in jail?
Homicide
What animal does Tom Joad pick up in the road?
Signup and view all the answers
Whom does Tom Joad meet on his way home from jail?
Signup and view all the answers
What occupation did Jim Casy previously have?
Signup and view all the answers
How did Jim Casy take advantage of his position of authority?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT true of the murder Tom Joad committed?
Signup and view all the answers
How did the Joads acquire their house?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is Tom Joad out of jail?
Signup and view all the answers
What pushed the Oklahoma tenants off of their land?
Signup and view all the answers
In the novel, what inanimate object is frequently referred to as a 'monster'?
Signup and view all the answers
Where do the landowners suggest that the Oklahoma tenants go?
Signup and view all the answers
Whom would Muley NOT describe as one of 'Them sons-a-bitches'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Tom Joad see when he first arrives at his home?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Tom Joad infer when he sees that the scrap parts of the Joad house remain?
Signup and view all the answers
Where is Joad's family, according to Muley?
Signup and view all the answers
Why are the people being kicked off the land, according to Muley?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Muley frequently call himself?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Dust Bowl Context
- The first chapter is set against the backdrop of the Dust Bowl, depicting harsh weather conditions affecting the land.
- Agricultural disaster leads to tenants being displaced from their farms due to relentless dust storms.
Tom Joad’s Character Introduction
- Tom Joad recently returned home after being released from jail, where he served time for homicide.
- He encounters a turtle on the road, symbolizing struggles and resilience in a harsh environment.
Meeting Jim Casy
- Tom meets Jim Casy, a former preacher who grapples with his spiritual beliefs.
- Casy previously abused his authority, engaging in sexual relationships with congregants.
Tom's Crime and Family Context
- Tom's homicide was not against a family member, distancing his actions from passionate familial conflict.
- The Joad family acquired their home illegally, indicating desperation amidst changing social dynamics.
Displacement of Residents
- Industrialized farming practices have forcibly removed Oklahoma tenants from their lands, signaling economic changes.
- Landowners recommend that displaced families migrate to California, reflecting the search for new opportunities.
Muley’s Observations
- Muley, a local resident, expresses resentment towards the landowners, referring to them derogatorily as "Them sons-a-bitches."
- He confirms that Tom's family is living at Uncle John's house, providing a connection to family dynamics.
Joad's Homecoming
- Upon arriving home, Tom observes the remains of his house, now a dilapidated structure, indicating abandonment and loss.
- The untouched state of the house suggests that neighbors have also departed, highlighting the widespread impact of displacement.
Concluding Thoughts
- Muley identifies external profit motives as primary reasons for residents being removed from their land.
- His self-description as a "damn ol' graveyard ghos'" signifies his sense of loss and deep connection to the land.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 1 from 'The Grapes of Wrath' with these flashcards. This chapter introduces key themes such as the Dust Bowl and introduces the character Tom Joad. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this classic novel.
