The Grapes of Wrath Chapter 26 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What difficulties does Joad's family encounter?

The family has been eating fried dough, and they have no income. Children and Rose of Sharon are not looking good. Tom only worked on that job for 5 days, and the others don't have jobs. The family might have to move back to Hoovervilles.

What options does the Joad family have?

They can go to Maryville to pick fruits, but that is too far; they can also go to Tulare in the north to pick cotton. But none pay well for the workers. They eventually decide to go cotton picking, following Ma's direction.

What strategy does Ma use to get the family motivated?

Ma says if a man cannot provide his family with food, then he has no power to ask around. She uses anger to motivate Pa and thinks Tom does not need any motivation.

What happens to Rose of Sharon?

She is pregnant but does not eat well; to mitigate hunger, she eats lime. Ma gives her a pair of earrings and pierces her ears. Signup and view all the answers

What does Al do before he leaves for Tulare?

He whistles to a tent, calling his girlfriend out. She is furious that he is going away but forgives him through a gallant gesture. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom fear will happen in Hoovervilles? What does Jule think is the side-effect of moving frequently?

Tom is afraid that anger will get the best of him and he might kill someone. Jule thinks kids do not get a good education if they move a lot. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ruthie tell Mom? How does Winfield respond to it?

Ruthie tells her mom that Winfield hits a kid. Winfield replies that it is because that kid calls him an Okie. Signup and view all the answers

What are Pa and Uncle John arguing about?

Uncle John feels sinful again, but Pa says the family does not have money to help him with his sin. Signup and view all the answers

What obstacles does the Joad family face before leaving?

Tom finds the battery of the car run down and initially thinks it's Al's fault, but then takes responsibility himself. Signup and view all the answers

What are Tom and Al arguing about?

Tom wants a cup of coffee, and he teases Al about his girlfriend. They stop arguing when Ma joins the conversation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Joad family see on their way? What does Ma want?

They see a rebuilt Hooverville with people who have been burned out many times. Ma wants to get a house before the rain and winter. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom bump into while Ma is picturing the future?

He bumps into a big nail and realizes they only have a tire patch, not glue. Tom and Al work together using cement as glue. Signup and view all the answers

What information does Tom get when he is pumping the tire?

A bareheaded man tells him there is a peach-picking job at Hopper ranch. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ma want to get if the men get jobs?

She wants to get coffee, soap, milk, and flour, especially milk for Rose of Sharon. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom talk about McAlester?

He describes how cops in prison ask paroled prisoners to work for no pay and that there are traps set to catch escapees. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Joad family see when getting close to the orchard?

They see a line of white motorcycles leading them into the orchard and a group of angry yelling people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Joad family's reaction to the new environment in the orchard?

They stay close together and notice a woman with her head sunken. They find out about the pay system for picking. Signup and view all the answers

What do they start to do once they get into the orchard?

They are given baskets with holes at the bottom and have to work hard to lay the fruits gently. Signup and view all the answers

What do they earn after picking 20 buckets of peaches?

They earn 1 dollar of credit to buy food in the grocery store. Signup and view all the answers

Why don't the children want to go to school?

Because they were called Okies at school, they also don't want to work. Signup and view all the answers

What obstacles does Ma meet?

She wants to buy meat, potatoes, and bread but finds the prices elevated. The clerk does not own the shop. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ma ask for from the cashier in the grocery store?

She wants sugar but does not have money, so she asks the cashier for help, who eventually gives in. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Joad family up to after finishing work?

Tom and Al want to know what the workers are arguing about. They learn that cops create chaos among the migrant group. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom do after having dinner?

He goes out for a walk and is warned not to leave because others might get him. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Tom meet when he is trespassing the ravine?

He meets Jim Casy when he is talking to another guy sitting on a box in front of a tent. Signup and view all the answers

What does Casy find out when living in prison? What is his plan for now?

He finds out that people can yell for better food and plans to strike together with the others. Signup and view all the answers

What does Casy think is the reality of the orchard?

He believes that pay will be lowered, and people will starve, but those earning won't want to lose their jobs. Signup and view all the answers

What story does Tom tell that corresponds with Casy's idea?

Casy tells a story about a person starting a union but being betrayed and turned in to the cops. Signup and view all the answers

What are the statuses of the three men in the tent?

They are restless because they fear that cops will find them. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Jim Casy when they are trying to run away?

Casy gets his head broken by a migrant's handle, and Tom, angry, fights back and escapes. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the morning?

Ma wakes up first and tells Pa to buy something for breakfast, then discovers Tom's wound. Signup and view all the answers

What is Tom's plan for his family?

He wants to escape once he can walk, while Al stays to care for the truck. Tom sees a group arriving, indicating wages will lower. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ma's plan for the family?

She strives to keep the family together and wants to leave the orchard for better opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rose of Sharon think of Tom's action?

She wants Tom to leave because she feels it will protect her baby from sin, but Ma counters her concern. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Ma is telling Tom what happens at the picking place?

Ruthie runs home to tell Ma that Winfield is so hungry he eats too many peaches and gets diarrhea, leading to Ma's hysterical reaction. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ma do when they are having dinner? How does Rose of Sharon react to Winfield's milk?

Ma gives Winfield milk and secretly provides some to Rose of Sharon after. Winfield gets a lot better after having the milk. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pa say the reality of peach picking today is? What will happen to Tom if he gets found?

Pa says many more people are coming to peach picking for a loaf of bread, and if Tom is caught, he might be lynched. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom think will be the best solution?

Tom thinks he should hide inside a mattress while the family works, as he feels they are not safe. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the Joad family eventually tries to run away?

A guard asks where Tom is, and Al claims to be a hitchhiker. They pretend to find jobs to get aid from the attendant. Signup and view all the answers

How does Rose of Sharon react to the Joad family's departure?

She regrets leaving home and wants to stay in a better place, while the whole family is conflicted about leaving. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom think should be the plan for his family to avoid cops?

Tom thinks they should go north on back roads, staying away from main roads and living in cars. Signup and view all the answers

What is the family's response to Tom's idea?

Ma is worried about Tom getting scared, while Pa thinks it is a good idea and suggests they sleep till morning. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Joad Family Struggles

The Joad family faces severe food scarcity, relying on fried dough, with no income to sustain them.
Tom has only worked five days, leaving the family at risk of returning to Hoovervilles, where living conditions are poor.
Children, especially Rose of Sharon, appear unhealthy due to inadequate nutrition.

Family Decisions and Options

The family considers moving to Maryville for fruit picking, though the distance poses a challenge.
Tulare is another option for cotton picking, but wages are not sufficient; ultimately, they choose cotton under Ma's direction.

Ma's Motivation Strategy

Ma believes a man without food for his family loses power, using this as a motivating factor for Pa.
She avoids anxiety and instead channels anger to inspire her family, feeling Tom is naturally driven.

Rose of Sharon's Condition

Rose of Sharon, who is pregnant, struggles with hunger, consuming lime to stave off her cravings.
Ma gifts her earrings; after piercing her ears, this bond strengthens their relationship.

Al's Departure to Tulare

Al bids farewell to his girlfriend before leaving for Tulare, promising to return.
His girlfriend's anger reflects the complexities of relationships amidst their hardships.

Tom and Jule’s Concerns

Tom fears the potential of killing someone out of uncontrolled anger while in Hoovervilles.
Jule notes frequent relocations hinder children’s education and suggests forming a union to fight for workers' rights.

Family Dynamics

Ruthie boasts about Winfield's altercation, reflecting the challenging social dynamics in their environment.
Pa and Uncle John clash over guilt and financial struggles, showcasing family tensions under pressure.

Leaving Obstacles

As they prepare to leave, Tom realizes the car's battery is dead, initially blaming Al, but later accepts responsibility.

Tensions Between Tom and Al

A dispute erupts over coffee when Tom teases Al about relationships, showcasing a mix of frustration and camaraderie.

Observations During Travel

The family witnesses a rebuilt Hooverville, indicating recurring cycles of displacement and adaptation.
Ma is determined to secure shelter before inclement weather arrives.

Orchard Experience

Upon arriving at the orchard, they encounter tensions among workers and learn about unfair labor practices.
They receive inadequate tools for harvesting, complicating their work process.

Financial Struggles Post-Picking

After laboring to pick 20 buckets of peaches, the family earns merely a dollar in credit for food, highlighting economic exploitation.
Children’s reluctance to attend school stems from derogatory labels at school, reflecting social ostracism.

Ma's Resource Challenges

Ma faces inflated prices while shopping on credit, underscoring their economic vulnerability.
She struggles to ensure basic necessities for the family, demonstrating her role as a provider.

After Work Tensions

The men recognize that conflict among workers is exacerbated by police presence, indicating a broader socio-political tension impacting their lives.

Tom’s Risky Decision

After dinner, Tom goes for a walk, warning about the dangers of seeking isolation, thus showcasing the paranoia present in their lives.

Meeting Casy

Tom encounters Jim Casy, who reveals insights from prison experiences, including the power of collective action but also the precariousness of workers' rights.

Casy’s Strategy

They discuss strikes and the importance of solidarity among workers facing harsh conditions, reflective of the era’s labor struggles.

Night of Escalating Tensions

Following a confrontation, Tom reacts violently, signaling the desperation and moral dilemmas faced by those fighting for survival.

Tom’s Future Plans

Faced with family loyalty and external threats, Tom plans to escape for safety while Al worries about the burden of family responsibilities.

Ma’s Stance on Family Unity

Ma is adamant about keeping the family together, opposing any plans that risk separation, revealing her protective instincts in harsh times.

Rose of Sharon’s Perspective

Rosie's perception of Tom's threats reveals pregnant women’s anxieties about their futures and familial bonds in times of crisis.

Dinner Dynamics

Ma’s prioritization of Winfield over Rose of Sharon during mealtime highlights the family's struggle with limited resources and prioritizing health.

Reality Check on Labor

The Joad family’s harsh realities, including witnessing greater competition for dwindling resources, foreshadow deeper economic challenges they will face.

Tom's Plan Against Police Recognition

Tom’s tactical thinking to avoid police confrontation demonstrates a survival instinct born from their realities as displaced people.

Conclusion of Family Dynamics

Ma’s concern for Tom's safety mirrors a mother’s instincts to protect her family, culminating in discussions over immediate survival strategies and making precarious living arrangements.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 26 of 'The Grapes of Wrath'. This quiz covers the challenges faced by the Joad family, including their struggles with employment and food. Explore the options available to them during their difficult journey.