Grapes of Wrath Chapters 15-18 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why does Steinbeck have the incident occur to an anonymous family and not the Joads?

Steinbeck broadens his scope to other migrant workers, reflecting the Joads' experience and providing a warning for what they can expect.

Explain the ambiguity of truck drivers' response to Mae's kindness.

The truck drivers appreciate Mae's kindness in giving away candy, but they generally look down on 'Okies' who arrive with no money.

In these communities, it is a 'right' of hungry people to be fed. How does this idea differentiate roadside communities from the outside world?

It illustrates a communal society among migrant workers where equality reigns and wealth display is shunned, contrasting with the outside world.

What is the significance of Al's taking the nickels from the cash register to win the jackpot in the slot machine?

Al knowingly took the nickels to win money from the slot machine before returning it to the register. Signup and view all the answers

What course of action does Tom suggest when the Wilson's touring car breaks down?

Tom suggests staying with the truck to fix it while the others move on. Signup and view all the answers

What do the Joads learn about the handbills when they talk to the ragged man at the campsite?

They learn that the handbills are a fraud and that many more people want to work than the advertised amount. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it easy for the families in the camps to form communities?

They create a communal society with rules for polite behavior and shared interests, fostering connections. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom and Al's exchange with the one-eyed man support Steinbeck's Socialist theme?

The one-eyed man reveals his life story, adding depth to his character and highlighting the significance of all workers. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the bathing man regret telling others about the hardships in California?

He doesn't want to destroy the sense of hope and excitement the families have. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ma mean when she tells Rose of Sharon, 'bearin' and dyin' is two pieces of the same thing'?

She means that bearing children and dying are both part of the cycle of life. Signup and view all the answers

How did the word 'Okie' devolve into a derogatory term?

Sheriffs and others degradingly labeled migrant workers as 'Okies', reflecting the disdain they faced. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Ma afraid that the policeman will talk to Tom?

She fears he will find out Tom is on parole and that he might hit a cop if provoked. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anonymous Family Incident

Steinbeck broadens the narrative to include anonymous migrant families, reflecting the struggles of the Joads and serving as warnings of their potential fate.

Truck Drivers' Response to Kindness

Truck drivers display a mix of disdain and appreciation towards "Okies," acknowledging Mae's gesture of giving away candy while maintaining their upper-hand due to financial differences.

Right to be Fed

The chapter illustrates a communal society among migrant workers, emphasizing shared rights over food, contrasting with a capitalist society where such rights are not guaranteed.
This idealized society fosters equality, disregarding wealth display, with the elderly holding the most respect due to their wisdom.

Al's Slot Machine Incident

Al demonstrates opportunism by taking money from the cash register to play a slot machine, highlighting resourcefulness and the idea of contributing back to the community thereafter.

Tom's Decision on the Broken Car

Tom proposes to stay behind and fix the Wilsons' broken car, showcasing family loyalty, particularly against Ma's resistance, who emphasizes the importance of family unity.

Handbills Fraud Disclosure

A ragged man informs the Joads about deceptive handbills advertising jobs in California, revealing the harsh realities of the labor market, where demand far exceeds supply, driving wages down.

Formation of Camp Communities

Migrant families easily form communities due to shared hardships, establishing regulations that promote equal treatment and mutual support, resembling a utopian model.

One-Eyed Man Encounter

The one-eyed man's character adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the diversity of migrant experiences while reinforcing Tom's direct and authoritative demeanor in interactions.

The bathing man regrets sharing the harsh realities of California, fearing it may dampen the hopes of families heading there.

Cycle of Life Reflection

Ma's statement to Rose of Sharon connects childbirth and death as intertwined elements of existence, emphasizing the natural cycle of life.

Derogatory Evolution of "Okie"

The term "Okie" becomes derogatory as migrant workers face hostility and discrimination in California, revealing the deep-seated prejudice against them by locals and authorities.

Ma's Concern for Tom

Ma fears for Tom's safety regarding a potential encounter with police, notably due to his parole status and his propensity for violence if provoked.

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Description

Explore key concepts and incidents from Chapters 15-18 of 'The Grapes of Wrath.' This quiz focuses on the broader themes presented by Steinbeck through various characters, highlighting the Joad family's experiences and their reflections on other migrant workers. Test your understanding of the text's nuances and implications.