Grapes of Wrath Chapter 6 Quotes

Questions and Answers

How does Steinbeck present industrialised destruction as universal?

The small, unpainted Joad house was mashed at one corner, and it had been pushed off its foundations so that it slumped at an angle.

Which quote demonstrates the dramatic loss of vitality in Oklahoma and places the hopes of the nation on the workers?

Young Tom stared for a long time at the ragged willow beside the dry horse trough.

Which quote demonstrates the death of the agrarian world?

broken plow point...a rat gnawed mule-collar.

Which quote demonstrates the total incompatibility between the old world and the new?

Why, you can't get a horse in now without he tromps the cotton. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates the widespread effect of decay?

...the cotton plants threw long shadows on the ground, and the molting willow tree threw a long shadow. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote foreshadows that Tom's resistance to Casy's ideals will only be temporary?

Repetition of 'you wasn't mean, but you was tough.' Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates the attachment of domesticity restricting some of the workers' survival?

The cat leaped at it and struck at its straining head and slashed at its moving feet. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates the death of Muley's old life and his current lack of substance?

Like a damn ol' graveyard ghos'.I been goin' aroun' the places where stuff happened. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates Muley's total attachment to his home?

They got Pa dyin' on the groun', and Joe yellin' his first breath, an' me jerkin' like a billy goat. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates Tom's instinct for survival?

Jesus Christ , le's eat this meat 'fore it's smaller'n a cooked mouse!Look at her.Smell her. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote shows Steinbeck alluding to Marxist dialectic for the first time?

Ever' time Pa seen writin', somebody took somepin away from 'im. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote links to Genesis 1:1 and the Biblical idea of chaos?

...it's a thing that started way to hell an' gone back, an' nobody seems to be able to stop her... Signup and view all the answers

Which quote introduces the idea of self-governance or self-sufficiency?

On'y kind a gover'ment we got that leans on us fellas is the 'safe margin a profit. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates the divisive nature of capitalism?

Fust an' on'y thing I got to think about is my own folks. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates the futility of the workers' plight?

When you're huntin' someone you're a hunter, an' you're strong...But when you get hunted-that's different...You ain't strong, maybe you're fierce, but you ain't strong. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates the distance between governor and governed and the harsh nature of this division?

...he either got to kill you or you got to get his gun away an' kill him. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates Tom's partly careless nature?

[Muley] Shall I shoot through the house?...[Tom] Sure, go ahead. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates Casy's focus on the real and his humanist philosophy?

We got to get thinkin' about doin' stuff that means somepin. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Industrialized Destruction

Steinbeck illustrates universal industrialized destruction through the imagery of the Joad house, symbolizing the broader impact on rural communities.
The house’s compromised foundations evoke themes of displacement and loss.

Loss of Vitality and Hope

Young Tom's fixation on the forlorn willow tree signals the decline of Oklahoma's vitality and foreshadows the reliance on laborers for the nation's future.

Death of Agrarian Life

The imagery of a "broken plow point" and a "rat gnawed mule-collar" signifies the collapse of traditional farming practices and the end of agrarian society.

Incompatibility of Old and New Worlds

The quote about horses trampling cotton encapsulates the conflict between the enduring agricultural lifestyle and the encroachment of industrialization.

Widespread Decay

The long shadows cast by cotton plants and a molting willow reflect a pervasive sense of decay affecting both landscape and livelihood.

Foreshadowing Tom's Resistance

Casy’s words about toughness versus meanness indicate Tom’s temporary attachment to old ideals and foreshadow his evolving understanding of resistance.

Domesticity vs. Survival

The scene with the cat attacking signifies how domestic attachments may hinder workers' survival amidst the harsh realities of industrial life.

Muley's Loss and Substance

Muley’s description of himself as a "graveyard ghost" captures his disconnection from his past life and the emptiness he feels in the present.

Attachment to Home

Muley’s nostalgic recollection of significant life events emphasizes his profound attachment to his home, intertwined with identity and memory.

Instinct for Survival

Tom’s urgency to eat suggests a survival instinct driven by the harsh conditions and potential loss of resources.

Marxist Dialectic

The notion that someone always takes something away from the individual introduces themes of class struggle and economic exploitation.

Biblical Allusions

The reference to chaos alludes to Genesis, suggesting uncontrollable forces shaping their reality.

Self-Governance Concept

The mention of a government dependent on profit margins highlights economic disparities and the lack of real governance supporting the workers.

Divisive Capitalism

Muley's reflection on family loyalty in a capitalist context stresses the divisive nature of individualistic survival instincts over collective well-being.

Futility in the Workers' Struggle

The analogy of a hunter versus hunted illustrates the power dynamics and the futility faced by the workers in their struggles.

Division of Governor and Governed

The stark choice of violence underscores the harsh relationship between those in power and the oppressed, exposing systemic brutality.

Careless Nature of Tom

Tom's nonchalant response to Muley’s reckless suggestion reveals a careless or bold aspect of his character amidst the turmoil.

Casy's Humanist Philosophy

Casy emphasizes the importance of meaningful action, calling for a collective shift in thinking towards impactful deeds and community building.

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Description

Explore key quotes from Chapter 6 of 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck. This quiz focuses on the themes of industrialization and the loss experienced by the characters, reflecting the plight of workers during the Great Depression. Test your knowledge with these flashcards!