Grapes of Wrath Character Flashcards

Study Notes

Tom Joad

Protagonist and favorite son of Ma and Pa Joad; embodies good nature and thoughtfulness.
Spent four years in prison; lives in the present to cope with past regrets.
Becomes a wise guide and protector, evolving from self-interest to social activism.
Follows Jim Casy's teachings, realizing the importance of collective action for justice.

Ma Joad

Central strength of the Joad family; fulfills the role of healer and mediator.
Remains resolute and decisive throughout hardships, particularly during the family's arduous journey.
Exhibits selflessness and prioritizes family unity, often putting others' needs before her own.
Demonstrates grace and dignity even in despair, reinforcing her role as the family's emotional anchor.

Pa Joad

Husband to Ma Joad, a plainspoken and good-hearted tenant farmer.
Initially a strong family leader, struggles with despair and helplessness in California.
His mental decline contrasts with Ma’s strengthening character; ultimately succumbs to the burdens of hardship.
Represents the theme that adversity can diminish rather than build character.

Jim Casy

Former pastor who renounces religion, viewing holiness in human experience and unity of mankind.
A crucial moral voice in the novel, promoting social cohesion among laborers.
Transforms from a minister to an organizer of migrant workers, symbolizing the movement toward collective action.
Sacrifices himself for the greater good, influencing Tom's radicalization into a social activist.

Rose of Sharon Rivers

Eldest daughter of Ma and Pa Joad, characterized by impractical romanticism and naivety.
Experiences harsh realities of migrant life, including abandonment by her husband and the death of her child.
Matures significantly throughout the narrative, revealing resilience akin to her mother’s spirit.

Grampa Joad

Elderly patriarch of the Joad family, founded their farm; holds strong ties to the land.
Shows humor despite declining health; ultimately dies after being uprooted from his home.
Represents the deep perspective of loss associated with displacement.

Granma Joad

Pious and fiery, she faces loss and struggle following Grampa's death.
Her decline signifies the fragility of faith and family ties in the face of adversity.

Al Joad

Tom's ambitious younger brother, preoccupied with cars and romantic pursuits.
Develops skills as a mechanic, proving essential to the family's journey.
Matures into independence, choosing to stay in California for love rather than returning to his family.

Ivy and Sairy Wilson

Migrant couple who help the Joads during their travels; exemplify neighborly kindness.
Their need for rest highlights the toll of the journey on their health.

Connie Rivers

Rose of Sharon’s husband, a dreamer whose immaturity leads him to abandon the family.
Represents youthful idealism failing to withstand harsh realities.

Noah Joad

Tom’s older brother, affected by birth complications; feels alienated from the family.
Leaves his family behind, symbolizing the fractures caused by their journey.

Uncle John

Burdened by guilt for letting his wife die, he struggles with his sense of sin.
Encapsulates the theme of familial responsibility and guilt in the face of tragedy.

Ruthie Joad

Tom's spirited younger sister, whose brashness puts the family in jeopardy.
Highlights the tensions and competitive dynamics among siblings during crises.

Winfield Joad

Youngest family member, vulnerable in their unstable lifestyle.
Represents concerns for the future generation amidst their struggles.

Floyd Knowles

Migrant worker who inspires Tom to fight for workers' rights, igniting activist sentiments.
His arrest signifies the dangers of advocating for labor rights.

Muley Graves

Stubborn neighbor who refuses to leave his land, illustrating resistance to displacement.
Symbolizes the loss associated with eviction and abandonment of home.

Agnes Wainwright

Daughter of a couple sharing the Joads' boxcar; engaged to Al.
Her relationship with Al emphasizes themes of love and personal choice amidst hardship.

Description

Explore the key characters in Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath' with these flashcards. Learn about Tom Joad and other pivotal figures in the novel, enhancing your understanding of their roles and significance in the story. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike.