Grapes of Wrath Part I Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is Big Bill?

generous truck driver who knows Mae

What is Mae's occupation?

waitress at the shop

What is Al's role?

the cook

What is Santa Rosa known for in relation to Al and Tom?

where Al and Tom go to get the con-rod Signup and view all the answers

Describe the one-eyed man.

doesn't wear an eye patch and moans about his boss Signup and view all the answers

What does the ragged man say about conditions in California?

there are no jobs and everyone is miserable Signup and view all the answers

What does 'vivaciousness' mean?

attractively lively and animated Signup and view all the answers

What does 'languid' refer to?

displaying disinclination for physical exertion Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'morosely' mean?

sullen or ill-tempered Signup and view all the answers

Define 'lanky'.

ungracefully thin and tall Signup and view all the answers

What does 'querulously' mean?

complaining in a petulant or whining manner Signup and view all the answers

What plans have Connie and Rose of Sharon made?

motion pictures, hospitals, business and a small house Signup and view all the answers

What is Al's attitude problem?

Al feels ashamed and lashes out when he feels incompetent Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ma revolt?

fears the family's separation and challenges Pa's authority Signup and view all the answers

What discouraging news did the ragged man give Pa?

Joad's search for work will likely be fruitless Signup and view all the answers

Define 'ostacism'.

the act of excluding someone from a society or a group Signup and view all the answers

What does 'vehemence' mean?

showing strong feeling, forceful or passionate Signup and view all the answers

What is 'exhortation'?

an address urging someone to do something Signup and view all the answers

Define 'decorous'.

keeping with good taste and propriety Signup and view all the answers

What does 'awestruck' mean?

filling with or revealing awe Signup and view all the answers

Who is Tom Joad?

The novel's protagonist, good-natured and thoughtful, a fierce protector of his family. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ma Joad?

The mother of the Joad family and the citadel of the family. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Pa Joad?

Ma Joad's husband and Tom's father, an Oklahoma tenant farmer. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jim Casy?

A former preacher who gave up his ministry because he believes all human experiences are holy. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Rose of Sharon?

The oldest daughter of Ma and Pa Joad and pregnant. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Al Joad?

Tom's younger brother, obsessed with cars and girls, and a competent mechanic. Signup and view all the answers

What do the animals symbolize in the chapters read so far?

They illustrate human capacity for kindness and cruelty, exemplified by the land turtle. Signup and view all the answers

What was Tom in prison for and for how long?

He was originally sentenced to seven years but got paroled after four years for manslaughter. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jim Casy no longer preach?

He became worried about his sexual relations with girls from his congregation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Steinbeck describe in Chapter 1?

The natural elements that destroy farmer's crops and the reaction of the people to these hardships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the turtle's most outstanding characteristic?

Determination to reach its destination despite obstacles and setbacks. Signup and view all the answers

What message does Tom convey to Ma about worrying about the future?

Take it one day at a time, not to be too optimistic. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom trick the truck driver?

By claiming that sometimes a guy will do a good thing even when a rich bastard makes him carry a sticker. Signup and view all the answers

What do the Joads decide to do with Grampa's body?

They decide to bury him themselves rather than report his death. Signup and view all the answers

What connects Grampa and Muley Graves?

Both resist leaving their land, representing a reluctance to let go of their roots in Oklahoma. Signup and view all the answers

What is the weather like in Chapter One?

Stormy but beginning to clear up. Signup and view all the answers

What animal does Steinbeck describe in the third chapter?

A turtle. Signup and view all the answers

How do the Joads and the Wilsons help each other?

The Wilsons help Grampa feel better, and the Joads repair the Wilson's car. Signup and view all the answers

What might be the significance of the name 'Muley'?

It signifies stubbornness like a mule. Signup and view all the answers

What describes Jim Casy's character in relation to Jesus Christ?

Casy was respected as a preacher, shared hardships and selflessness like Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters in "The Grapes of Wrath"

Tom Joad: Protagonist, thoughtful and resilient; paroled after killing a man in self-defense; acts as a guide and protector for the Joad family.
Ma Joad: Matriarch, strong and self-sacrificial; healer and decision-maker within the family; represents the heart and moral compass of the family.
Pa Joad: Ma's husband, evicted farmer; plainspoken and caring, burdened by guilt for Noah’s situation.
Jim Casy: Former preacher, embodies the novel’s moral voice; believes in the holiness of all experiences, struggles with past actions.
Rose of Sharon: Tom's sister, pregnant, serious; struggles with her hopes for the future amid family turmoil.
Granma Joad: Pious, yet irritable; often threatens her husband with hellfire.
Al Joad: Tom's younger brother, car and girl-obsessed mechanic who proves essential for family survival.
Connie: Rose of Sharon's husband, gentle, awestruck by changes ahead.
Noah Joad: Tom’s older brother, slightly deformed, withdrawn, slow to engage.
Uncle John: Tom's uncle, guilt-ridden over a past incident leading to his wife’s death; seeks redemption through selflessness.
Ruthie Joad: Fiery and immature younger sister; competitive with Winfield.
Winfield Joad: Youngest Joad sibling, age ten, innocent and vulnerable.
Muley Graves: Neighbor who refuses to leave his land after eviction; represents stubbornness in attachment to home.
Grampa Joad: Old and irritable man, unwilling to leave his Oklahoma roots, embodies the struggle against loss of place.

Key Themes and Symbols

Animals as Symbols: Illustrate human kindness and cruelty; the land turtle symbolizes the migrants' determination and resilience against adversity.
Capitalism as "The Monster": Represents the banking system that leads to farmers' foreclosures, showcasing the lack of accountability from those in power.
Migration and Hope: Despite facing rumors of no jobs in California, migrants continue in search of better opportunities.

Significant Plot Points

Opening Setting: Novel begins in stormy spring weather in Oklahoma, illustrating the hardships faced by farmers due to natural disasters and economic decline.
Tom Joad's Return: His family is anxious about his time in prison; immediate concerns include his safety and ability to travel with them.
Grampa's Death: Family chooses to bury him themselves out of loyalty and respect, highlighting their bond and values amid hardship.
Formation of New Society: Chapter 14 indicates a shift from individualism to collective identity among migrants, foreshadowing unity for future struggles.

Interpersonal Dynamics

Tom and Ma's Relationship: Tom advises Ma to focus on the present rather than worrying excessively about the future.
Solidarity Among Migrants: The Joads and the Wilsons support each other on their journey, emphasizing themes of community and mutual aid.
Representation of Family and Authority: Ma's challenges to Pa’s authority underscore the need for family unity against external pressures.

Language and Vocabulary

Muley: Symbolizes stubbornness akin to a mule; highlights the deep connection to land.
Dissipated: Scattered or dispersed; often used to depict the lost hope of migrants.
Listless: Lack of energy, reflects the fatigue of traveling families.
Truculent: Describes aggressive defiance, seen among characters frustrated by their circumstances.
Vivaciousness: Represents the lively spirit of some characters, contrasting the bleakness of their reality.

Character Development Insights

Jim Casy's Philosophical Shift: Moves away from traditional religious values, positing a universal connection among humanity.
Al's Struggle with Identity: His feelings of inadequacy are highlighted through his mechanical failures and resulting guilt.
Construction of Future Dreams: Connie and Rose of Sharon envision an urban life filled with promise, characterizing their youthful optimism amidst dire conditions.

Summary of Emotional Tone

Hopelessness and Resilience: Descriptions of the dust and fields convey despair, yet the characters continually strive for a better future despite overwhelming odds.

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Description

Explore key characters and themes in the first 18 chapters of 'The Grapes of Wrath'. This quiz focuses on Tom Joad, the novel's protagonist, highlighting his traits and impact on his family. Test your knowledge of this classic literature and the struggles depicted in the story.