Grapes of Wrath Chapters 8-10

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Questions and Answers

What conclusion do Tom and Casy reach about Muley?

He is lonely and crazy.

What happened to Uncle John that causes him so much guilt?

His wife was having stomach pain, he didn't call for a doctor, and she died.

How does Uncle John try to make up for his 'sin'?

By handing out candy to his nieces and nephews and giving free meals to neighbors.

How did Tom surprise his father?

By coming home unexpectedly. Signup and view all the answers

List phrases of Ma from page 74 that describe her and her importance in the family.

She had a faded dress, wore a dress to her ankles, strong freckled arms were bare to the elbow, and her hands were chubby and delicate. Signup and view all the answers

How is Noah different?

He doesn't have emotions and is a little slower. Signup and view all the answers

What secret does Pa have about Noah?

He had to pull Noah out while he was being born, since the midwife wasn't there to deliver him. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Roseasharn? What is her situation?

She is the oldest Joad's daughter; she's married and pregnant. Signup and view all the answers

What were the junk men buying in addition to the farmers' possessions?

Their junked lives and years of labor. Signup and view all the answers

What advice did Tom give to Ma?

Take it one day at a time and don't get her hopes too high. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Ruthie and Winfield?

The youngest Joad's siblings. Signup and view all the answers

How much money did the Joad's get for the goods they sold? Why didn't they get more?

$18, because merchandising was a secret to them. Signup and view all the answers

How much money do the Joad's have altogether?

$154. Signup and view all the answers

List the decisions made at the family conference.

Casy goes to California, take the dogs, and butcher the pigs and salt them. Signup and view all the answers

What treasures did Ma bring?

A ring, earrings, and a watch charm. Signup and view all the answers

What problem does Grandpa present the family with the morning they are to leave? How do they solve it?

He doesn't want to go to California, so the family drugged him by putting ear medicine in his coffee. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Tom and Casy conclude Muley is affected by loneliness and exhibits signs of craziness.
Uncle John feels deep guilt due to not calling a doctor for his wife during her stomach pain, which ultimately led to her death.
Uncle John compensates for his perceived "sin" by sharing candy with his nieces and nephews and providing free meals to neighbors; he becomes anxious when children fall ill.
Noah, described as emotionally detached and slow, presents challenges for the family; Pa harbors a secret about Noah's birth, revealing he had to assist in the delivery when the midwife was absent.

Family Dynamics and Resilience

Ma is depicted with strong physical characteristics and plays a central role in maintaining family unity, serving as a source of advice and support for family members.
Ruthie and Winfield are the youngest siblings among the Joad family, highlighting the family's generational span and dynamics.
Roseasharn, the eldest daughter, is married and pregnant, adding to the family's complex circumstances.

Financial Struggles

The Joads sell their possessions, receiving $18, which they attribute to a lack of understanding of the sales process and merchandising.
Altogether, the family manages to gather $154, reflecting their financial struggles and limited resources.

Decisions and Challenges

Key family decisions include Casy’s plan to travel to California, taking their dogs, and butchering the pigs for preservation.
Ma brings sentimental treasures, including a ring, earrings, and a watch charm, indicating the family's attachment to their past.
On the departure day, Grandpa's reluctance to go to California poses a problem; the family resolves it by secretly drugging his coffee with ear medicine.

Navigating New Circumstances

Tom surprises his father by returning home unexpectedly, emphasizing familial bonds and the impact of their shared experiences.
The junk men are not only purchasing material goods but also absorbing the farmers' lives and labor dedicated to their properties.
Tom advises Ma to "take it one day at a time" and to manage her expectations, reflecting the family's need for careful navigation through their challenges.

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Test your understanding of chapters 8 to 10 of 'The Grapes of Wrath' through these flashcards. Explore the character insights and significant events that showcase themes of guilt and loneliness. Perfect for reinforcing your knowledge and discussion points on this iconic novel.