Questions and Answers
What does the phrase 'they were subdued and quiet' indicate?
It indicates sadness as a result of Granma's death, breaking the family unit.
What feelings do Pa and Uncle John experience regarding funerals?
They feel guilty that circumstances prevent them from honoring their dead.
What does Tom suggest about the behavior towards cops?
He suggests that being 'bull-simple' is how migrant workers are perceived as subhuman.
What philosophy is represented by Casy sitting on the earth?
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What does Tom's statement about going off alone signify?
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What does the character express regret about regarding his past choices?
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What does the line about generous behavior reveal?
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What does 'He's talking red' imply?
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What act of self-sacrifice does Casy perform?
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What does Casy's proud smile signify?
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What emotions does UJ express regarding Casy's sacrifice?
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What contrasts are observed between Pa and Ma's perspectives?
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What spiritual choice does UJ express?
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What does Tom's remark about Pretty Boy Floyd signify?
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What does the character feel forced to do when interacting with others?
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How does Tom respond to feelings of powerlessness?
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What concept does 'Oversoul' relate to in the story?
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Study Notes
Key Theme: Grief and Family Disintegration
- The death of Granma leads the family to feel subdued and quiet, symbolizing the impact of loss on their unity.
- Guilt arises among Pa and Uncle John for failing to honor the deceased with proper funerals, highlighting the disparity in mourning practices between migrant families and wealthier ones.
Prejudices Against Migrants
- Tom gains insight into the systemic prejudices faced by migrant workers, realizing they are often treated as subhuman by authorities.
- The term "bull-simple" reflects how migrants adapt their behavior to avoid antagonizing those in power, thereby losing their identity amid societal cruelty.
Connection to Land and Philosophy
- Casy embodies agrarian philosophy, reflecting a deep desire to connect with the earth, signifying the importance of land to the migrant experience.
- His contemplative nature serves as a contrast to the harsh realities faced by the family, representing a struggle to maintain a sense of home while displaced.
Sacrifice and Unity
- Tom's contemplation of sacrifice foreshadows his own commitment to the family, indicating a transition from thought to action.
- Casy’s martyr-like actions symbolize a deeper understanding of collective unity, reinforcing the idea of the "oversoul" in their struggle for communal identity and support.
Emotional Struggles and Social Responsibility
- Uncle John experiences anguish after Casy's sacrifice, feeling a loss of stability, which leads him to seek temporary solace in alcohol.
- Pa and Ma's differing outlooks on Connie’s character emphasizes Ma’s focus on family well-being and future stability over resentful anger.
Themes of Desperation and Powerlessness
- The characterisation of Tom adopting a "servile whine" illustrates how desperation forces migrants to degrade themselves, drawing sympathy from readers.
- Tom's emotional breakdown exemplifies the profound effect of oppression, portraying the psychological impact on individuals who endure systemic injustices.
Communal Bonds Amidst Loss
- Despite multiple losses (Granma, Casy, Connie), a sense of global family begins to form, signifying hope and resilience.
- Acts of kindness and shared resources among characters, such as Ma providing for hungry children, illustrate the growing solidarity among the migrant community amidst their struggles.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards focused on key quotes from Chapter 20 of 'The Grapes of Wrath'. Each card highlights significant passages and their meanings, exploring themes of loss, guilt, and the struggles of migrant families. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of the text.