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Questions and Answers
What is the description of Tom Joad?
What is the description of Tom Joad?
His eyes were very dark brown, his cheek bones were high and wide, and strong deep lines cut down his cheeks.
What does the 'no riders sticker' symbolize?
What does the 'no riders sticker' symbolize?
The tension between the rich and poor and the loneliness of truck drivers.
What action does Tom take despite the 'no riders sticker'?
What action does Tom take despite the 'no riders sticker'?
He sits on the running board on the side away from the restaurant.
What does the description of the man's clothes indicate?
What does the description of the man's clothes indicate?
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How are Tom's hands described?
How are Tom's hands described?
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What does Tom imply about human connections in his statement to the trucker?
What does Tom imply about human connections in his statement to the trucker?
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What internal conflict does Tom experience?
What internal conflict does Tom experience?
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What does the truck driver express surprise about?
What does the truck driver express surprise about?
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What does Tom's language indicate about his personality?
What does Tom's language indicate about his personality?
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What is the nature of the driver's questioning?
What is the nature of the driver's questioning?
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How does Joad respond to the driver's inquiries?
How does Joad respond to the driver's inquiries?
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What is revealed by Tom's responses to the driver's questioning?
What is revealed by Tom's responses to the driver's questioning?
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What does Tom imply about the life of a truck driver?
What does Tom imply about the life of a truck driver?
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How does Tom express his awareness of the driver's behavior?
How does Tom express his awareness of the driver's behavior?
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What is indicated by the phrase 'his voice became harsh'?
What is indicated by the phrase 'his voice became harsh'?
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What is conveyed through Tom's statement about homicide?
What is conveyed through Tom's statement about homicide?
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What imagery is associated with Joad crushing the insect's head?
What imagery is associated with Joad crushing the insect's head?
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Study Notes
Character Description
- Tom Joad is depicted as an aged, hard-working man with dark brown eyes, high cheekbones, and noticeable lines on his weathered face, reflecting the hardships he has endured.
- His physical appearance conveys the effects of labor and time spent in prison, emphasizing his tough background and resilience.
Social Commentary
- "No riders sticker" symbolizes the tension between social classes, showcasing the divide between sharecroppers and wealthy landowners using tractors.
- Truck drivers, represented as lonely figures, are not allowed human connections, reinforcing themes of isolation in the working class.
Independence and Rebellion
- Tom's decision to sit despite the "no riders sticker" demonstrates his self-assurance and comfort in breaking societal rules, signaling his independent nature.
- His new yet ill-fitting clothes contrast sharply with his rugged appearance, highlighting his personal growth and impending changes throughout the narrative.
Working-Class Identity
- Descriptions of Tom's hands, characterized by their strength and roughness, underscore his identity as a typical working-class man, conforming to traditional notions of masculinity and labor.
Class Struggle
- Tom's interaction with the truck driver reveals how those in power impose arbitrary rules to inhibit camaraderie among struggling individuals, as the driver grapples with the decision to help Tom despite potential repercussions.
Loneliness and Connection
- Tom's awareness of being "trapped" by the driver's probing questions reflects the loneliness experienced on the road and the desire for connection, showcasing the need for human interaction in harsh circumstances.
- Despite being reserved, Tom's quiet confidence contrasts with the driver's anxious inquiries, emphasizing the complexity of their relationship.
Foreshadowing
- The driver's comments about farming and displacement indicate the impending challenges facing Tom and his family, linking to themes of agrarianism and the psychological impact of losing their land.
Interpersonal Dynamics
- The dynamic between Tom and the driver illustrates the tension created by uncertainty and social expectations, as both characters navigate their roles and the loneliness of road life.
- Tom's bluntness and aggressive responses highlight his quick temper and unwillingness to conform to social niceties, establishing a complex character driven by past experiences.
Themes of Violence
- References to homicide and Tom's candid discussion of his past hint at a deeper exploration of violence and morality, suggesting an acceptance of his history and a lack of shame in discussing his actions.
- Tom's interaction with a creature, marked by grotesque imagery, symbolizes his internal struggles and connection to themes of anger and his capacity for violence shaped by his prison time.
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Description
Explore key quotes from Chapter 2 of 'The Grapes of Wrath' with this flashcard quiz. Each card provides vivid descriptions and insights into the characters and societal themes presented in this classic novel. Test your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the text!
