The Grapes of Wrath Chapter 22

Key Concepts from The Grapes of Wrath Chapter 22

• Speed Bump: Refers to the obstacles the Joad family encounters on their way to the government camp, symbolizing the struggles faced by migrant families.

• Central Committee: A governing body that maintains order and establishes rules within the government camp.

• Color Imagery: Vivid descriptions are used to capture the beauty of the morning, enhancing the narrative's emotional impact.

• Timothy and Wilkie Wallace: Individuals Tom meets on his first morning at Weedpatch, contributing to the sense of community among the migrants.

• Mr. Thomas: Notable for offering decent wages to workers, contrasting with the broader theme of economic difficulty.

• Bank of the West: The financial institution that pressures Mr. Thomas to reduce wages to 25 cents per hour, highlighting the role of banks in the exploitation of labor.

• Mr. Thomas’s Land: He owns 65 acres, which contributes to his ability to offer jobs and the strain of labor relations.

• Job Assignment: Mr. Thomas enlists Tom, Timothy, and Wilkie to dig a ditch, indicating the types of labor available to migrants.

• Dance Conflict: Tension is anticipated at the dance on Saturday night, foreshadowing possible violence or conflict within the camp.

• Timothy's Role: One of the Wallaces involved in the Central Committee, emphasizing community organization within the camp.

• Wage Complaints: A character expresses disdain for those demanding higher wages during a time of unfavorable labor conditions.

• Winfield's Incident: He has an accident with a toilet, which is a source of embarrassment and dysfunction within the camp.

• Ruthie's Revelation: She informs Ma about Winfield breaking the toilet, indicating how children navigate adult situations in camps.

• Pa's Skepticism: He is doubtful about the camp manager's integrity when discussing matters with Ma, reflecting distrust in authority figures.

• Ma's Assertion: A powerful declaration of Joad identity and resilience, linking family heritage to a sense of dignity among the oppressed.

• Sense of Community: Ma feels a connection to fellow camp residents, marking a pivotal moment of belonging despite past humiliations.

• Religious Zealotry: A religious character denounces moral breaches like dances and plays, creating social tension within the camp.

• Miscarriages: Consequences faced by pregnant women engaging in "sinful" activities, illustrating the blend of fear and superstition in camp life.

• Accusations of Communism: Farmers Association's aversion to the Weedpatch camp stems from suspicions of communist affiliations among the inhabitants.

• Camping Regulations: The Joads are directed to camp in number 3 of the Sanitary Units, showing the organized structure of the camp.

• Cost of Living: Weekly camp fees are set at $1.00, reflecting the economic burdens even in refugee settings.

• Entry Restrictions: Landowners and police are barred from the camp, signaling a safe haven for the laborers seeking refuge from oppressive forces.

• Job Assistance: Tom receives job leads from the Wallaces, showcasing community support in finding work.

• Current Work Conditions: Tom's job involves digging ditches, a menial but essential task demonstrating the hard labor undertaken by the migrants.

• Warning from Mr. Thomas: He informs Tom and his friends about the potential threats from the police regarding conflicts in the camp.

• Facilities in Camp: There are 20 wash trays available for camp residents, emphasizing the need for sanitation in communal living.

• Health Issues: Diarrhea, referred to as skitters, reflects health challenges faced by those living in close quarters.

• Food-Related Illness: The children of a character named confessor consume green grapes, which leads to their health problems.

• Excessive Usage: Mrs. Joyce is noted for wasting toilet paper, further emphasizing the everyday challenges and inconveniences in the camp.

• Work Analogies: Al compares job searching to "skunks under water," illustrating the difficulty and frustration of finding stable employment.

• Religious Zealot's Name: Lisbeth Sandry is identified as the local religious fanatic, representing the tension between faith and daily struggles.

Test your knowledge of Chapter 22 from 'The Grapes of Wrath' with these flashcards. Each card focuses on key terms and characters, providing a deeper understanding of the chapter's themes and events.