Questions and Answers
What is the primary contrast shown throughout this chapter?
The contrast between the bountiful land and the potential of growth and the discriminatory and unfeeling nature of industry/profit.
Which quote uses plosives to demonstrate that whilst growth causes the land to have unlimited potential, this is harshly discarded by industry?
...cherries and apples, peaches and pears.
How does Steinbeck champion the useful or right progression of material produce?
These men work carefully and endlessly to perfect the seed, the root...These are great men.
Which phrase is constantly repeated (though manipulated) throughout the chapter to demonstrate the unfeeling and inflexible nature of the profiteers?
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Which quote further exaggerates the contrast between potential growth and actual decay, which creates a feeling of dystopian chaos - reflecting the workers' growing anger?
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Which quote ends the chapter with an almost Biblical sentiment of doom (reflecting the Battle Hymn of the Republic again) and showing the lasting and growing sentiment of the workers?
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Study Notes
Chapter 25 Summary
- Highlights the juxtaposition of fertile land's potential versus the harshness of industrial profit motives.
- Illustrates tension between abundant agricultural growth and the exploitative nature of industry.
Key Quotes
- Plosives in the quote "...cherries and apples, peaches and pears" symbolize the wealth of potential disregarded by industry.
- Affirmation of industrious agricultural labor with, "These men work carefully and endlessly to perfect the seed, the root...These are great men."
Themes of Exploitation
- Repetition of the phrase "Hell, we can't pick 'em for that...My God, we can't pick them and dry them and sulphur them" emphasizes the cold, unyielding attitude of profit-driven entities.
- Description of decay amidst abundance, as shown in "The fertile earth, the straight tree rows, the sturdy trunks, and the ripe fruit. And children dying of pellagra must die..." highlights societal neglect and rising worker unrest.
Concluding Sentiment
- Scriptural tone in "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage" captures growing collective anger and foreshadows dire consequences for exploitation.
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Description
Explore the intricate themes of Chapter 25 from 'The Grapes of Wrath.' This quiz will challenge your understanding of the contrasts presented between nature's bounty and the harsh realities of industry. Review key quotes and concepts to deepen your grasp of the chapter's significance.
