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Questions and Answers

What are the effects of the depression on farmers?

The farmers are getting kicked off their land and have to sell their personal possessions, even those with sentimental value.

What summarizes chapter 10?

Pa and John go into town to sell the family's belongings; Ma worries about California; the Joad family members and their relationships are introduced; they decide to take Casy along; Grampa is sedated to leave.

What do Ma's anxieties about California reveal about her?

Ma is a cautious person and shows a lot of common sense; she must be solid for her family's stability.

Why does Ma wonder about the flyers in California?

Ma questions why people would print flyers requesting workers if there are no jobs available. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ma's response when Casy asks to go with the Joads to California?

Ma states they would be proud to have him, but the men must make the final decision in a family meeting. Signup and view all the answers

How does Ma influence the decision regarding Casy's inclusion?

Though not a decision maker, Ma talks to Casy on behalf of the family when Tom doesn't speak. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Grampa feel reluctant to leave?

Grampa wants to stay on the land he has lived on all his life and feels connected to it. Signup and view all the answers

What summarizes chapter 11?

The houses left behind by tenant farmers deteriorate, symbolizing emptiness and isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What contrast does Steinbeck draw between land lived on versus land farmed by absentee tractor drivers?

Land that is lived on is cared for; absentee tractor farmers neglect the land. Signup and view all the answers

What summarizes chapter 12?

Highway 66 is crowded with migrant families; gas stations sell overpriced items; a family finds help from another family. Signup and view all the answers

What summarizes chapter 13?

The Joads journey to California, Grampa dies, and they decide to travel with another family. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ma say when Al expresses doubts about California?

Ma says she cannot account for what might be; she can only account for what is. Signup and view all the answers

What is Grampa's condition and the Joads' situation?

Grampa is getting sicker, and the Joads are very stressed about leaving Oklahoma. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom feel that the fat man will never understand the migrants?

Tom believes the fat man only complains without wanting to address the migrants' struggles. Signup and view all the answers

What makes Tom a little kinder to the fat man?

Tom realizes that the fat man is not wealthy and apologizes for being rude. Signup and view all the answers

What literary term describes Casy's comparison of the Gila monster?

Metaphor; the Gila monster is compared to banks and corporations. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Rose of Sharon's and Connie's behavior and their dream.

They are secretive and focused on their hopes for a better life, with Rose wanting a car and home. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Rose of Sharon when the dog is killed?

She becomes scared for her baby and realizes the world's ruthlessness. Signup and view all the answers

What does Grampa die of and what does his burial reveal about the Joads?

Grampa dies of a stroke; they choose to bury him themselves to avoid suspicion. Signup and view all the answers

What is Tom's ironic comment about the government?

The government investigates murders thoroughly but ignores the needs of living people. Signup and view all the answers

What point does Casy make about Grampa's death?

Grampa died inside when he was taken off the farm, indicating his deep connection to the land. Signup and view all the answers

What point is made about people in conversations between the Joads and Wilsons?

Despite not being bound by blood, families like the Joads and Wilsons support each other. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mrs. Wilson afraid of being a burden, and what literary term is used?

Mrs. Wilson is afraid her illness will slow them down; foreshadowing is the literary term. Signup and view all the answers

What summarizes chapter 14?

Migrant farmers arrive, causing concerns for western landowners about potential unrest. Signup and view all the answers

What do large landowners fear?

They fear the farmers will unite and possibly stage a revolt. Signup and view all the answers

What summarizes chapter 15?

Diners along Route 66 showcase interactions between migrant families and business owners. Signup and view all the answers

How does Steinbeck portray the rich businessman and his wife?

They are bored and indifferent to the struggles of migrant families. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Al through his actions?

Al is a good person who cares about helping poor people rather than business profits. Signup and view all the answers

Why do truck drivers leave Mae an extra large tip?

They were touched by Mae and Al's generosity towards migrant travelers. Signup and view all the answers

What is presented in the chapter 1 summary?

Drought and dust shriveling Oklahoma cornfields Signup and view all the answers

What is devastating the land? (chapter 1)

Drought and dust Signup and view all the answers

Why are the women relieved when the men's faces become hard and angry? (chapter 1)

It shows that the men are still strong Signup and view all the answers

What theme is shown through the quote 'women...knew deep in themselves that no misfortune was too great to bear if their men were whole'? (chapter 1)

Dependency on men Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of personification in chapter 1?

The wind cried and whimpered over fallen corn. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in chapter 2 summary?

Tom Joad asks a truck driver for a ride after being released from prison. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of alliteration in chapter 2?

Transport truck Signup and view all the answers

Why does the driver agree to give the hitchhiker a ride? (chapter 2)

He doesn't want to be seen as the bad guy. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom Joad appear surly? (chapter 2)

He killed a man. Signup and view all the answers

Where has Tom Joad been for four years, and for what reason? (chapter 2)

Prison for killing a man in self-defense. Signup and view all the answers

What does the driver mean by questioning Tom's father's situation? (chapter 2)

He is surprised that Tom's father hasn't been forced off the land. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in chapter 3 summary?

A turtle makes its way across a road despite many hardships. Signup and view all the answers

What is the point of devoting three pages to a turtle crossing the road? (chapter 3)

To show the turtle's persistence and symbolize the Joads' struggle. Signup and view all the answers

Define theme. Can you find a theme in the turtle vignette? (chapter 3)

Persistence. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in chapter 4 summary?

Tom walks to his family's farm and meets Jim Casy. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jim Casy give up being a preacher? (chapter 4)

He was doing unholy things and questioning his beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is Casy's conclusion about love, the soul, and the holy spirit? (chapter 4)

All men make up one soul. Signup and view all the answers

What is the contrast between Jim and Casy? (chapter 4)

Tom is a man of action, while Casy just talks. Signup and view all the answers

What surprise awaits as Casey and Tom near the Joad's home? (chapter 4)

The house is deserted. Signup and view all the answers

If Casy is a Christ figure, what points to this? (chapter 4)

His initials (JC). Signup and view all the answers

What happens in chapter 5 summary?

Company representatives tell the tenant farmers they must leave their land. Signup and view all the answers

What are banks compared to? (chapter 5)

Monsters. Signup and view all the answers

What makes it economically desirable for banks to drive tenant farmers off the land? (chapter 5)

Tractors cover more land and require fewer workers. Signup and view all the answers

What two arguments do the farmers give the 'owner men'? (chapter 5)

They were born on the land and offer to rotate crops. Signup and view all the answers

How is the tractor driver described? (chapter 5)

As being part of the machine. Signup and view all the answers

Since the tractor driver is one of the local people, why does he do the dirty work for the banks? (chapter 5)

He needs the money to feed his family. Signup and view all the answers

Who can the farmers fight? (chapter 5)

They cannot target one individual; the system is too broad. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in chapter 6 summary?

Tom and Casy find the Joad house empty and learn from Muley Graves about the situation. Signup and view all the answers

When Tom realizes that the neighbors have NOT come and taken the good boards, what is his conclusion? (chapter 6)

The neighbors must have deserted their farms too. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Muley Graves not go with his family to California? (chapter 6)

He feels prideful towards his land and can't leave. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Tom's family put up the fight he expected? (chapter 6)

They had no choice; the tractor driver was just following orders. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jim Casy referring to when he says, 'Muley's got a-holt of somepin, and it's too big for him, and it's too big for me'? (chapter 6)

Muley's idea about sharing food. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical ideas about killing and prison does Tom wonder about? (chapter 6)

Why men look for meaning when things happen for no reason. Signup and view all the answers

How does Willy Freely's opinion about helping others differ from Muley's? (chapter 6)

Muley believes Willy is selfish and cares only for himself. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Tom's reaction to the arrival of the men? (chapter 6)

Tom has to hide on his own land. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of this chapter, what is Casy thinking about? (chapter 6)

What he can do to help people in need. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in chapter 7 summary?

Farmers try to sell belongings to buy vehicles to travel west. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's purpose of chapter 7? (chapter 7)

To show how fast-talking salesmen exploit farmers in need. Signup and view all the answers

If the small interchapters present generalizations about life, what do the larger chapters represent? (chapter 7)

Tom Joad's journey. Signup and view all the answers

Why do so many people go to California? (chapter 7)

California promises jobs, land, and a nice life. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in chapter 8 summary?

Tom reunites with Uncle John and his family after returning home. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Uncle John have guilt? (chapter 8)

He feels responsible for the death of his wife. Signup and view all the answers

What shows that Ma is a generous person? (chapter 8)

She shares breakfast with strangers. Signup and view all the answers

What are Ma and Pa's first concerns upon seeing Tom? (chapter 8)

They worry he escaped from jail and if he has become mean. Signup and view all the answers

What does Casy say is holy? (chapter 8)

Brotherhood. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in chapter 9 summary?

Tenants decide what to take on their move west. Signup and view all the answers

What literary term is used in the phrase, 'a packet of bitterness to grow in your house and a flower some day.'? (chapter 9)

Metaphor. Signup and view all the answers

What statement in chapter nine signifies Steinbeck seems to be predicting a socialist revolution?

'And someday—the armies of bitterness will all be going the same way.' Signup and view all the answers

What makes the selling off of the farmers' possessions all the more pitiful?

They are forced to leave behind their lives and belongings. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1 Summary

Oklahoma cornfields face severe drought and dust conditions, leading to a Dust Bowl.
Storm clouds appear in June, but fail to bring rain, worsening the situation.
Residents wear masks and goggles to protect themselves from dust.
Men remain stoic in front of their families, symbolizing strength amidst hardship.
Chapter sets the stage for the Great Migration to California in the 1930s.

Devastation of the Land

The land is primarily devastated by drought and dust, known as the Dust Bowl.

Strength and Vulnerability

Women's relief at men's hardened and angry faces indicates the men’s persistence and strength.
Men's anger is essential for maintaining hope; without it, they risk losing their will to lead.

Theme of Dependence

Dependence of women on men is highlighted by their belief that any misfortune can be borne if men remain intact.

Literary Elements

Simile compares the morning haze to fog and describes the sun as "red as ripe blood."
Personification of wind showcases its power; "The wind cried and whimpered over fallen corn."

Chapter 2 Summary

Tom Joad, recently released from prison, seeks a ride from a reluctant truck driver.
Tension arises as Tom leverages the driver's sense of morality to gain a ride.
Tom explains his past: he killed a man in self-defense.

Alliteration in Chapter 2

Examples include "transport truck" and "roadside restaurant."

Driver’s Change of Heart

Driver agrees to give Tom a ride to avoid being perceived as a "bad guy."
His realization that he can assert himself against "rich bastards" leads to his decision.

Tom’s Surly Nature

Tom’s demeanor stems from his recent prison experience and his violent actions.

Context of Tom’s Prison Time

Tom spent four years in prison after committing homicide in self-defense.

Driver’s Surprise About Farming

Driver's disbelief highlights the drastic changes in farming due to lose of land and mechanization.

Chapter 3 Overview

A turtle crossing the road symbolizes the struggle of the Joad family amid adversity.
Interaction with drivers reveals carelessness and aggression, juxtaposed against the turtle's perseverance.

Importance of the Turtle

The turtle’s persistence illustrates resilience amidst hardship and mirrors the Joads’ journey.

Chapter 4 Summary

Tom meets preacher Jim Casy, who has abandoned traditional religious beliefs, seeking a new understanding of spirituality.
Casy’s internal conflict mirrors societal struggles as he grapples with his past actions.

Jim Casy's Beliefs

Casy concludes that humanity collectively forms a single soul and that true spirituality arises through human connections.

Contrast of Characters

Tom is characterized as action-oriented, while Casy becomes more of a contemplative figure.

Chapter 5 Summary

Company representatives inform tenant farmers they must vacate their lands as sharecropping becomes unprofitable.
Mechanization symbolized by tractors leads to a new agricultural reality, cementing the loss of small farmers.

Perception of Banks

Banks are depicted as monstrous entities that contribute to the destruction of tenant families.

Financial Rationality

Banks prefer tractors over tenant farmers for economic efficiency, introducing themes of man versus machine.

Farmers’ Arguments

Farmers argue their deep ties to the land and request crop rotation or smaller shares to sustain their lives.

Tractor Driver's Relationship to the Machine

The driver embodies the mechanization of labor, emphasizing disconnection from the land and community.

Farmer’s Helplessness

Farmers cannot target individual banks or people; their struggles epitomize systemic exploitation.

Chapter 6 Overview

Tom returns home to find his family's house abandoned; realization strikes about widespread displacement.
Muley Graves shares his bitter experiences and emotional ties to the land, while Casy feels a calling to help those suffering.

Conclusion About Neighbors' Abandonment

Tom deduces that deserted homes and untouched possessions signify that neighbors have also been forced off their land.

Muley’s Stubbornness

Muley’s pride prevents him from leaving the land, representing a deep emotional connection to his roots.

Lack of Resistance

No fight against displacement occurs due to the overwhelming situation; resistance proves futile against mechanized forces.

Casy’s Reflection

Casy’s thoughts on sharing reflect his broader moral dilemmas regarding community and support.

Tom's Philosophical Thoughts

Tom ponders the nature of justice in human actions, distinguishing between divine occurrences and personal accountability.

Differences in Values

Muley sees Willy Freely as selfish and self-serving, revealing conflicts between past values and current self-interest.

Tom's Reaction to Authority

Ironically, Tom is forced to hide from authority despite being on his own land, symbolizing the loss of personal rights.

Casy's Inner Conflict

Casy contemplatively seeks a way to assist others, hinting at his evolving role in the unfolding narrative.

Chapter 7 Summary

Farmers struggle to sell their goods and find transportation, falling prey to exploitative sales tactics.
Fast-talking salesmen take advantage of desperate farmers during their preparations for migration.

Author's Purpose in Chapter 7

Steinbeck aims to highlight the exploitation faced by the Joads as they navigate the economic system as migrant workers.

Contrast of Chapters

Small interchapters illustrate societal themes while larger narrative sections detail the Joad family's journey and struggles.

California's Allure

The promise of jobs, land, and a better life drives many migratory hopes toward California.

Chapter 8 Summary

Tom reunites with family, revealing dynamics of love and concern after a prolonged absence.
Casy expresses his belief in the sanctity of brotherhood amid societal changes, reinforcing community ties.

Uncle John's Guilt

Uncle John’s guilt about his wife's death affects his mental state, portraying human vulnerability.

Ma’s Generosity

Ma’s willingness to share meals with strangers reflects her caring nature and commitment to community.

Family Concerns

Both parents initially worry for Tom’s safety, reflecting their protective instincts and close family bonds.

Casy's Views on Holiness

Casy articulates the importance of brotherhood and communal effort, distinguishing it from traditional religious practices.

Chapter 9 Summary

Tenant families agonize over what belongings to take with them, illustrating the emotional toll of displacement.
Selling personal items showcases the despair and loss upon being uprooted from their homes.

Symbolism of Selling Possessions

Metaphorically describes destruction birthed from dispossession, emphasizing the emotional impact on families.

Steinbeck hints at possible social upheaval resulting from the collective suffering of displaced farmers.

Emotional Weight of Loss

Farmers’ attachment to possessions intensifies their pain and helplessness exacerbated by economic hardship.

Chapter 10 Overview

Family prepares for their journey, revealing dynamics among family members and their thoughts about California.
Ma shows her resilience and common sense amid family discussions about taking Casy along.

Ma's Protective Nature

Ma's cautious outlook reflects her role as the family's emotional backbone and stabilizer.

Cynicism About California

Ma questions the authenticity of job promises in California, hinting at exploitation by larger businesses.

Confirmation of Casy Joining

Ma champions Casy’s inclusion, subtly guiding family decisions despite societal norms concerning gender roles.

Ma’s Role in Decision Making

Ma influences discussions with intelligence and assertiveness, demonstrating her capability within family leadership.

Granpa’s Resistance

Granpa’s reluctance to leave symbolizes the deep connections individuals can feel toward their land and heritage.### Chapter Summaries
Connection to land motivates characters to stay where they have lived for life.
Chapter 11 depicts the deterioration of abandoned tenant farmer homes, emphasizing themes of emptiness and isolation through imagery of cats and tractors disturbing farmland.
In Chapter 12, the journey to California begins with families meeting skepticism and being exploited for car repairs, ending with a moment of redemption as a poor family offers a ride.
Chapter 13 focuses on the Joad family as they travel, highlighting Ma's resilience and refusal to worry about uncertainties, while grappling with loss and death within the family. Grampa dies after a stroke, and discussions among the Joads reflect their bond and shared struggles with other migrant families.

Themes and Character Insights

Contrast arises between land treated with care by those who reside on it versus land exploited by absentee tractor drivers who lack emotional connection.
Tom perceives a societal disconnect, asserting that those like the fat gas station owner will never understand the plight of the migrants.
Grampa's death symbolizes a deep connection to the land; his loss reflects how removing him from the farm led to his internal demise.
Loyalty among migrant families is emphasized, showcasing how shared experiences forge a sense of community despite a lack of blood ties.

Steinbeck comments on the fears of large landowners regarding potential farmer revolts and their misunderstanding of the migrant struggle.
The portrayal of Mae and Al in Chapter 15 illustrates compassion amidst hardship, depicting the disparities between rich and poor, and highlighting the nobility of the working class.

Important Characters

Ma Joad embodies resilience and a practical approach to life's uncertainties, rejecting fear for a focus on living in the moment.
Rose of Sharon and Connie represent aspiring youth with dreams of stability, yet they navigate the harsh realities of their circumstances.
The interactions between the Joads and other migrant families, like the Wilsons, emphasize mutual support and camaraderie during their shared hardships.