The Dust Bowl Migrants

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Questions and Answers

What emotion began to smolder beneath the begging and cringing of the hungry people?

Despair

Hopeless anger (correct)

Joy

Gratitude

What actions did the hungry men take when they crowded the alleys behind the stores?

Work for food

Set up market stalls

Organize community events

Beg for bread (correct)

What caused the transformation of pity into anger in the townsfolk?

Feelings of hopelessness

The arrival of more hungry people

Lack of resources

Fear of the hungry people (correct)

What was the consequence of the relentless rain mentioned in the content?

Flooded farmland Signup and view all the answers

What were the sheriffs ordering in response to the situation with the hungry people?

Rifles and tear gas Signup and view all the answers

Which disease is mentioned as spreading among the people during this time?

Pneumonia Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon affected the people’s faces, reflecting their emotional state?

Gray with fear Signup and view all the answers

What did the coroners' wagons do amidst the turmoil?

Collect the dead Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the migrant people to build dikes around their tents?

They wanted to protect their belongings from the rain. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the rain on the tents and the people inside?

The rain created lakes around the tents. Signup and view all the answers

What did the migrant people do with their belongings as they were forced to move?

They carried their wet blankets and children. Signup and view all the answers

What was the emotional state of the people as they sought relief?

Shivering and hopeless. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the obstacles mentioned for getting government relief?

They had to be in the area for a year. Signup and view all the answers

How did the rain physically affect the cars mentioned in the passage?

Water fouled the ignition wires and carburetors. Signup and view all the answers

What did the presence of old cars signify about the migrant people's situation?

They had faced difficulties leading to the loss of mobility. Signup and view all the answers

What did the people struggle with as the rain continued?

Keeping dry and staying warm. Signup and view all the answers

What actions did the men take in response to the first rain?

They went out with shovels to build little dikes around the tents. Signup and view all the answers

How did the rain affect the tents and the people inside them?

The rain penetrated the canvas, causing streams of water to wet the beds and blankets. Signup and view all the answers

What did the migrant people carry away with them as they waded through the water?

They carried their wet blankets and children in their arms. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the old cars as a result of the rain?

The rain fouled the ignition wires and carburetors, making them difficult to start. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the people when they sought relief from the offices?

They returned sadly, disappointed by the rules for obtaining aid. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the physical conditions of the area surrounding the tents.

The little gray tents stood in lakes, and deep mud engulfed the wheels of the cars. Signup and view all the answers

What did the people do day and night as they waited out the rain?

They sat on boxes with planks over them to stay dry. Signup and view all the answers

What did the presence of people shivering in a barn signify?

It signified their hopelessness and need for refuge from the rain. Signup and view all the answers

How did the residents respond to the increasing anger towards the hungry men?

The residents' pity turned to anger, leading to fear of the hungry men, which caused law enforcement to prepare for conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the diseases that contributed to the suffering of the people?

Sicknesses such as pneumonia and measles were prevalent among the people, exacerbating their suffering. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the conditions of the men as they moved from the tents to seek food.

The men were in dire conditions, with their clothes tattered and muddy shoes, embodying their desperation. Signup and view all the answers

How did the relentless rain affect the community beyond just physical conditions?

The rain contributed to a sense of hopelessness and anger, which brewed among the hungry people and townsfolk. Signup and view all the answers

What actions did the hungry men take in their effort to find food and relief?

The hungry men begged, cringed, and sometimes resorted to stealing to survive. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the coroners play during this difficult time?

The coroners were called upon to retrieve the deceased, indicating the dangers posed by the harsh conditions. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did societal fear manifest as a response to the desperate situation of the hungry men?

Societal fear at the time led to law enforcement arming themselves in anticipation of potential unrest. Signup and view all the answers

What was the emotional state of the people reflected in their physical conditions?

The people's faces were gray with terror, showing the physical toll of hunger and fear on their spirits. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the migrant people to move from their tents?

The tents became engulfed in water as the rain created lakes around them. Signup and view all the answers

How did the men respond to the initial signs of rain?

The men went outside to build little dikes around the tents to keep the water out. Signup and view all the answers

What consequences did the relentless rain have on the migrant people's belongings?

The rain soaked the beds and blankets, making them wet and unusable. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did the migrant people encounter with their vehicles during the rain?

Water fouled the ignition wires and carburetors, preventing the cars from starting. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the relief offices play for the people after the rain?

The people sought help at the relief offices but returned empty-handed due to stringent rules. Signup and view all the answers

What does the description of the growing puddles and the state of the tents suggest about the environment?

The environment became increasingly unstable and inhospitable due to the continuous heavy rain. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the people take after they were forced to leave their tents?

They waded through the water, carrying their wet belongings and children. Signup and view all the answers

What conditions did the people face while seeking refuge in barns during the storm?

The barns were filled with shivering and hopeless people seeking shelter from the rain. Signup and view all the answers

How did the relentless rain impact the overall mood of the community?

The relentless rain contributed to a mood of despair and hopelessness among the community, amplifying their hunger and fear. Signup and view all the answers

What roles did the sheriffs and deputies take in response to the situation?

The sheriffs swore in deputies and ordered rifles, tear gas, and ammunition to manage the escalating tension with the hungry people. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the scarcity of food influenced the actions of the hungry men.

The scarcity of food led the hungry men to beg, steal, and resort to desperate measures to survive, reflecting their dire circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of the men as they moved to seek food during the rain?

The men were in a deplorable state, with clothes resembling rags and shoes reduced to muddy pulp, symbolizing their desperation. Signup and view all the answers

How did the townspeople's emotions shift as they observed the hungry men?

The initial pity for the hungry men shifted to anger and fear as the townspeople faced the challenges posed by their desperation. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the prevalence of sickness have on the community’s morale?

The spread of sickness, such as pneumonia and measles, further deteriorated the community's morale, adding to their fear and hopelessness. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the significance of the terms 'sodden men' and 'sodden clothes' in the context of the situation.

'Sodden men' and 'sodden clothes' signify the physical and emotional saturation of despair among the struggling individuals during the relentless rain. Signup and view all the answers

What was the responsibility of the coroner during this time of crisis?

The coroner’s responsibility included retrieving the dead from the community, highlighting the severe impact of hunger and illness. Signup and view all the answers

What were the emotional and physical conditions of the men as they moved from the tents?

The men exhibited hopeless anger, their physical conditions were marked by muddy, ragged clothing and desperation. Signup and view all the answers

How did the relentless rain contribute to the overall atmosphere in the community?

The relentless rain worsened the already bleak conditions, leading to heightened fear, anger, and desperation among the people. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the interactions between the hungry men and townspeople highlight societal fears?

Interactions shifted from pity to anger and fear, indicating the villagers' growing anxiety about the hungry men's desperation. Signup and view all the answers

What implications did the request for rifles and tear gas carry about the state of the townspeople?

The requests indicated a shift towards militarization and defense in response to perceived threats posed by the hungry men. Signup and view all the answers

How did the physical conditions related to the rain impact the assistance available to the hungry men?

The overwhelming mud and flooding hindered access to relief offices and made it difficult for assistance to reach those in need. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'sodden men' imply about the state of the individuals seeking help?

'Sodden men' suggests that these individuals were not only physically wet but also emotionally drained and defeated by their circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What were the physical impacts of the rain on both the tents and the surrounding environment?

The rain caused the tents to leak, soaking the beds and blankets, while the surrounding area turned into lakes, making it difficult for the people to remain in their locations. Signup and view all the answers

What role did desperation play in shaping the actions of the hungry men as depicted in the passage?

Desperation drove them to beg, steal, and confront authority, showcasing the lengths individuals will go to in survival. Signup and view all the answers

What actions did the migrant people take in response to the water fouling their cars?

The migrant people faced engine failures due to fouled ignition wires and carburetors, and many had to wade away from their vehicles, carrying their belongings. Signup and view all the answers

What significance does the term 'coroners' wagons' convey regarding the health crisis during this period?

The mention of 'coroners' wagons' signifies a high mortality rate and the severe public health crisis impacting the community. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the phrase 'day and night, they sat on the planks' in terms of the migrant people's situation.

This phrase highlights the migrants' desperation and endurance as they attempted to wait out the relentless conditions while remaining above the flooding. Signup and view all the answers

What does the reaction of the relief offices tell us about the people's hopes for assistance?

The reaction shows that the people were disheartened by the strict rules for receiving relief, which left them feeling hopeless and uncertain about future help. Signup and view all the answers

How did the setting contribute to the mood of the characters in this selection?

The desolate and flooded setting enhances the mood of despair and hopelessness as the characters confront their deteriorating living conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the mention of 'shivering and hopeless' people in the barn reveal about their state of mind?

It reveals the profound despair and fear the migrants experienced as they faced the cold and uncertainty of their survival. Signup and view all the answers

Reflect on the implications of the government's assistance rules mentioned in the passage.

The rules imply systemic barriers that prevent immediate help for the people, exacerbating their situation of helplessness and suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the emotional state of the community amid the struggles they faced?

The emotional state is characterized by a mix of hopelessness, fear, and a desperate longing for relief as they navigate the adversities brought by the rain. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Setting

Migrants are fleeing from their homes and attempting to find suitable places to live
The setting is rural America during the Dust Bowl
It is raining heavily and the rivers have flooded
The people have taken shelter in tents and barns

The Characters

The families are living in extreme poverty and unable to afford to eat
They are in desperate need of the relief office but must live in the area for a year to qualify
Many are sick with pneumonia and measles due to the weather conditions and lack of food

The Mood

The mood of the text is hopeless and desperate
The migrants are facing extreme hardships and living in unsanitary conditions
They are feeling frightened and there is a sense of helplessness throughout the passage

Key Facts and Stats

The author describes the migrants and their circumstances, including a description of the weather conditions and their impact on those living in the region
The migrants are suffering from hunger and illness
They are forced to beg and steal to survive
The anger of the migrants is becoming increasingly prominent

### The Impact of the Flood

The water is flooding the roads and streams
The flood is preventing the migrants from travelling
It is also causing damage to their vehicles and the infrastructure of the region

### The Response of the Townspeople

The townspeople are initially sympathetic but grow increasingly fearful and angry
They are becoming more hostile towards migrants and taking active measures to defend themselves against them
The fear is so pervasive that the townspeople are arming themselves and increasing police forces.
The migrants are viewed as a threat to their safety and well-being

Migrant Life During Rain

The migrants sought shelter in tents, and the rain caused flooding
Cars were unable to start due to flooded igniters and carburetors
People were forced to move and sought refuge in barns
The migrants faced challenges obtaining relief due to regulations requiring a year of residence

Fear of Hunger

The migrants experienced a fear of prolonged unemployment, with no work expected for three months
Fear intensified as hunger and sickness spread among them
The rain continued, causing floods and worsening conditions

Fear of the Migrants

The migrants were forced to seek food and relief, leading to begging, stealing, and desperate actions
Public pity toward the migrants turned to anger and fear
Authorities increased security measures, preparing for potential violence

Loss of Life

The migrants suffered from a lack of access to medical care
The high death rate resulted in a considerable number of bodies being collected by coroners
The constant rain, floods, and hunger fueled anger and desperation

Migrants and Rain

The text describes a situation where the migrants are caught in heavy rain.
The rain floods their tents and cars, rendering them unusable.
They move to higher ground and barns.
They are faced with a shortage of food and supplies.
Many experience illness due to the harsh conditions, such as pneumonia and measles.

Seeking Aid and Fear

They travel to towns to seek relief and food.
They beg, steal, and lie to survive.
The locals initially show pity, but it evolves into anger and fear.
Sheriffs respond by increasing security forces.
The migrants desperately seek medical help, but it is scarce.
Many die, and the coroners are busy.

Hope and Tension

The text describes how the rain continues relentlessly.
There is hope for future governmental aid, but it is unclear when it will arrive.
The migrants suffer hunger and fear, which culminates in anger.
The migrants' desperate situation creates tension between them and the town residents.

The Setting

Migrant families were living in tents during a period of heavy rain
The rain caused flooding, damaging the tents and belongings
Cars were also damaged by flooding, making travel difficult
The rain turned the ground into mud, making it difficult to travel
The rain caused many to relocate
The people were forced to seek shelter in barns and relief offices

The People

The people were in despair, feeling hopeless and scared
They were struggling to survive with little to no food
They began to experience sickness due to the conditions, suffering from ailments like pneumonia and measles
There was no work to offer
They became desperate and resorted to begging for food
Some attempted to steal to survive

The Government

Government assistance is promised, yet has not been provided
There are rules in place that required a year of residency before relief can be given
The government is unaware of the urgency of the situation

The Townspeople

The townspeople felt pity for the migrant families at first
Their pity slowly turned into anger and fear
The townspeople were afraid of the desperate families
Sheriffs were ordered to prepare for potential conflict, and weapons were collected
Doctors were overwhelmed with the sick
The number of deaths escalated

The Conditions

The rain did not let up, causing flooding and further desperation
The lack of food and shelter fueled anger and desperation

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Description

Explore the harsh realities of rural America during the Dust Bowl through this quiz. Understand the struggles faced by migrant families seeking shelter, battling diseases, and dealing with severe poverty amidst flooding and relentless storms. Test your knowledge on the dire circumstances and emotional toll of this historical period.