The Grapes of Wrath Chapter 13 Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of this chapter in the general narrative?

The chapter acts as foreboding foreshadowing, as the idea of death and division of the family unit is introduced.

Which quote highlights the immensity of the journey the Joads face?

Sallisaw to Gore...Gore to Warner...Warner to Checotah...Checotah a long jump to Henrietta - thirty-four miles, but a real town at the end of it.

Which quote demonstrates the role of Al within the family?

His whole body listening to the car...Al was one with his engine.

Which quote demonstrates the effect of dehumanization on the Joads?

...the family stood by the roadside, gnawing the crisp particles from the pork bones. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote connects this chapter to Chapter 12 (Joads' plight is a shared one)?

Winfield moaned, 'I wanna drink. I wanna drink.' Signup and view all the answers

Which quote indicates the changing nature of human relationships?

'Got any money?' 'Sure. Think we're beggin'? The truculence left the fat man's face. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote introduces a new version of the 'California ideal'?

Well, I don' know what the country's comin' to...Think any them big new cars stops here? No sir! They go onto them yella painted company stations in town. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates Casy's effect as the 'explainer'?

Seems to me we don't never come to nothin'. Always on the way. Always goin' and goin'. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates the ultimate failure of the 'California ideal', whatever form it takes?

...the brave yellow paint that had tried to imitate the big company stations in town. But the paint couldn't cover the old nail holes and the old cracks in the lumber... Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates the tragic inevitability of striving for the 'California ideal' continuously?

And it ain't tractors'll put you there. It's them pretty yella stations in town. Signup and view all the answers

What does Casy's analogy of the Gila monster suggest?

Casy is describing that the only way to defeat the system that is exploiting the entire workforce is to 'take a screwdriver an' pry his head apart to git him loose.' Signup and view all the answers

Why is the timing of the dog's death significant?

It comes just after Connie and Rosesharn discuss buying a house, demonstrating their desires that remain unachievable. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates that Rosesharn (and maybe the workers collectively) cannot face the reality of failure of the 'California ideal'?

You suppose it might of hurt? Signup and view all the answers

How does Steinbeck's description of Rosesharn demonstrate her naivety?

The girl went toward the toilet. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates that the Joads are unsettled by the lack of control they have over their new environment?

His guts was just strowed all over...he rolled over quickly and vomited down the side of the truck...It ain't like killin' pigs. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates that worker relationships are able to transcend the new shackles of capitalism?

The man looked puzzled. 'We don't own it'...The appeal to hospitality had an instant effect. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates that people are now defined by their cars (objects of industry/efficiency)?

And Al, who stood near the car, looked at the license plates. 'Kansas', he said. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote demonstrates that Grampa cannot adapt to his new reality (shown through new gender roles)?

He looked up at her, drawn by her soft voice. 'Come on now', she said...Without warning Grampa began to cry. Signup and view all the answers

Which quote shows Casy as the voice of reason/revelation?

Casy said gently, 'He ain't sulkin', Gramma. He's sick.' Signup and view all the answers

How is the acknowledgement of Grampa's death significant?

Grampa's death is not immediately acknowledged directly, but is related to burial costs. Signup and view all the answers

How is the syntax of 'Grampa's death note' significant?

The misspellings that Steinbeck uses demonstrate the Joads' ineptitude for administration. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Biblical verse chosen (Psalm 32) significant?

Psalm 32 talks of the joy after being released from great suffering. Signup and view all the answers

How is Ruthie and Winfield's character progression from Chapter 10 to here shown?

They observe the deaths of a pig, a dog and finally a man (Grampa), which are progressively more significant. Signup and view all the answers

How does Steinbeck show that unity may bring some hope?

'Sairy Wilson he'ped lay Grampa out.'...The relationship was plain...The fire died down and the stars descended. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 13 Overview

Introduces themes of death and family division as the journey intensifies.
Foreshadowing elements set the stage for the struggles ahead.

Journey of the Joads

The quote illustrates the long and arduous route from Sallisaw to Henrietta highlighting the physical challenges.

Al's Role

Al is portrayed as deeply connected to his car, symbolizing his identity within the family dynamic.

Dehumanization

The family is depicted as struggling for survival, exemplified by their gnawing on bone fragments, showcasing their dire circumstances.

Shared Plight

Winfield’s yearning for a drink reflects an overarching theme of shared suffering among families, linking back to other characters’ desires.

Changing Relationships

A conversation reveals the shift in human interactions as characters express frustration and suspicion, hinting at broader social changes.

California Ideal

The skepticism towards the promise of California is captured in the mention of the superficiality of the ‘big new cars’ and company stations.

Casy's Philosophies

Casy articulates the futility of their journey, depicting a sense of never truly arriving or finding fulfillment.

California Dream Disappointment

The imagery of peeling paint on gas stations symbolizes the underlying failures of the dream, despite its alluring appearance.

Inevitability of Struggle

A quote conveys that the chase for the California ideal is a relentless pursuit devoid of genuine fulfillment.

Gila Monster Analogy

Casy’s analogy suggests that dismantling the oppressive system requires unity among workers, highlighting the need for collective action.

Timing of the Dog's Death

The dog’s tragic accident following discussions of future aspirations underscores the unattainability of their dreams.

Denial of Failure

Rosesharn’s innocence is revealed through her naive question about the dog’s pain, illustrating her inability to confront harsh realities.

Grampa's Struggle

An incident with Grampa signals his inability to adapt to changing roles, marked by his emotional response to a gentle call.

Worker Solidarity

A moment of hospitality breaks down barriers of ownership, showing humanity beyond the constraints of capitalism.

Identity in Industry

Characters are increasingly defined by their vehicles, reflecting the pervasive influence of industrialization in their lives.

Casy's Insight

Casy’s recognition of the old man's sickness reveals his role as a compassionate interpreter of truth within the family.

Grampa's Death Acknowledgment

The family's indirect reference to Grampa’s death highlights their denial and emotional struggle, with Casy providing clarity.

Syntax as Symbolism

The misspellings in Grampa's death note reflect the family's disconnection from administrative processes and social order.

Significance of Psalm 32

The chosen Biblical verse offers a lens through which to view Grampa’s death as a release from suffering, suggesting a merciful perspective.

Character Development

Ruthie and Winfield witness escalating tragedies, marking their growth from innocence to a more profound understanding of their harsh realities.

Hope through Unity

The act of community support during Grampa's preparation for burial emphasizes the glimmer of hope provided by familial bonds during adversity.

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Description

Explore the themes of death, family division, and dehumanization in Chapter 13 of 'The Grapes of Wrath'. This quiz delves into the characters' struggles and evolving relationships during their arduous journey. Test your understanding of the key elements and symbolism presented in this chapter.