The Grapes of Wrath Chapter 9 & 10 Summary

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Questions and Answers

What do the farmers have to sell?

Personal possessions that cannot fit with them

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

Ma is a cautious person and shows a lot of common sense.

Why do businesses print flyers for work in California if there are no jobs?

To attract more people, allowing them to lower wages.

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

She tells Casy they would be proud to have him, but the men must make the final decision. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Grampa want to stay?

He feels connected to the land he has been living on all his life. Signup and view all the answers

What contrast does Steinbeck draw between land lived on and farmland run by an absentee tractor driver?

Lived-on land is treated with care, while farmed land by a tractor is not taken care of. Signup and view all the answers

What do families encounter while traveling on Highway 66?

Gas station merchants tell them it's silly to believe there's opportunity in California. Signup and view all the answers

What is Grampa's condition when the Joads are traveling?

Grampa is getting sicker by the minute. Signup and view all the answers

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

She is scared for her baby due to the ruthless nature of the world. Signup and view all the answers

What does Grampa die of?

A stroke. Signup and view all the answers

Who gives the Joads a ride at the end of chapter 12?

Another poor family traveling to California. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom complain about in regards to the fat man?

The fat man only complains and does not want to help the migrating people. Signup and view all the answers

What literary term describes Casy's explanation about the Gila monster?

Metaphor. Signup and view all the answers

How does Steinbeck depict the rich businessman and his wife?

They are bored and not caring about the struggles of migrant families. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the truck drivers leave Mae such an extra large tip?

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

What happens to the Joads' family dog?

It gets run over. Signup and view all the answers

What is the popular highway that many migrants used to get to California called?

Highway 66. Signup and view all the answers

How much money did Pa Joad make from selling his items?

$18. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the guest that wants to travel with the Joads?

Jim Casy. Signup and view all the answers

Who dies in the Wilson tent?

Grampa. Signup and view all the answers

Who is pregnant in the Joad family?

Rose of Sharon. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the children of Rose of Sharon?

Ruthie and Winfield. Signup and view all the answers

What car are the Joads riding in?

Hudson Super-Six truck. Signup and view all the answers

Who keeps saying that it is not their fault?

Al Joad. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of Steinbeck's jobs?

Film making, reporter for The American, and served as a war zone correspondent. Signup and view all the answers

What makes this a classic novel?

It portrays working-class characters, common-sense politics, and a bold writing style. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the book's flaws?

Frequent sentimentality, flat characters, heavy-handed symbolism, and unconvincing dialogue. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 layers of the book?

<ol> <li>A family's struggle (the Joads), 2. A people's struggle for survival, 3. The story of a nation, America, 4. Allusion to Christ and the Israelites and Exodus, 5. A quest to understand commitment to a fellow human being and the earth.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of the book?

Short lyrical chapters of migrant background and long narration of the Joad family. Signup and view all the answers

What is the chapter 1 summary?

Drought and dust are shriveling the Oklahoma cornfields; midway through June, storm clouds teased the country but no rain came. Dust is so bad that people wear handkerchiefs over their faces and goggles over their eyes. When the wind stops, everyone views the damage, and the men do not break under pressure. Chapter 1 describes the event responsible for the great migration to California during the 1930s (the Dust Bowl). Signup and view all the answers

What is devastating the land?

Drought and dust (the Dust Bowl). Signup and view all the answers

When the men's faces become hard and angry and resistant, why are the women relieved?

It shows that the men are still strong; anger drives them to continue, which is crucial for their ability to lead. 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'?

The theme of women being dependent on men. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of personification and simile from chapter 1.

Simile: 'In the morning, dusk hung like fog, and the sun was as red as ripe blood.' Personification: 'The wind cried and whimpered over fallen corn.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the chapter 2 summary?

A red transport truck is in front of a roadside restaurant; the driver talks to the waitress. Tom Joad asks for a ride, and the driver hesitates but feels pressured. Tom, recently released from prison for homicide, shares his story during the ride. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of alliteration from chapter 2.

Transport truck; roadside restaurant. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the driver agree to give the hitchhiker a ride?

The driver doesn't want to be seen as the bad guy and feels pressured by Tom's words about not letting the wealthy dictate his actions. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom Joad appear to be surly?

He killed a man; he squashed a bug that was bothering him. Signup and view all the answers

Where has Tom Joad been for four years, and for what reason?

Prison; he killed a man with a shovel out of self-defense. Signup and view all the answers

What does the driver mean when he questions Tom about his father's status as a 'forty-acre cropper'?

The driver is expressing surprise at how much has changed since Tom's absence, particularly regarding land ownership and agricultural practices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the chapter 3 summary?

A turtle crosses the road and faces hardships; a female driver swerves to avoid it, while a male trucker purposefully hits it. The turtle's persistence symbolizes the Joads' struggle against a hostile environment. Signup and view all the answers

What seems to be the point of devoting an entire chapter to a turtle crossing the road?

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

Define theme. Find a theme in the turtle vignette.

Persistence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the chapter 4 summary?

Tom walks toward his family’s farm, takes off his shoes due to the heat, and finds Jim Casy, the preacher. Casy, who has left his faith, expresses his search for meaning as they head to the deserted Joad home. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jim Casy give up being a preacher?

Casy 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?

All men make up one soul; humans are the root of 'spirit' rather than God. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast between Jim and Casy.

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

As Casy and Tom near the Joads' home, what surprise awaits?

The house is deserted. Signup and view all the answers

If Casy is a Christ figure, what points to this beside his preaching?

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

What is the chapter 5 summary?

Representatives of the company inform tenants they must leave the land as sharecropping is no longer profitable. A tractor arrives and symbolizes the mechanized changes in farming. Signup and view all the answers

What are banks compared to?

Monsters. Signup and view all the answers

What makes it economically desirable for banks to drive the tenant farmers off the land?

It is more economical for banks to use tractors instead of tenant farmers, which introduces themes of man vs. machine. Signup and view all the answers

What two arguments do the farmers give the 'owner men'?

They and their ancestors were born on the land; they offer to rotate crops or take a smaller share. Signup and view all the answers

How is the tractor driver described?

He is described as being part of the machine, detached from the land. Signup and view all the answers

Since the tractor driver is a local, why does he do the dirty work for the banks?

The tractor driver needs to work to provide for his family, even if he does not want to work for the banks. Signup and view all the answers

Who can the farmers fight?

Farmers cannot target individuals; even if one murdered a bank president, the system would continue. Signup and view all the answers

What is the chapter 6 summary?

Tom and Casy find the Joad house deserted and learn from Muley Graves that the Joads have been forced off their land. Casy seeks a way to help people in need, while Tom realizes leaving with his family might break his parole. Signup and view all the answers

When Tom realizes neighbors have not taken the boards from the house, what is his conclusion?

Tom concludes that neighbors have deserted their farms too, indicating widespread loss. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Muley Graves not go with his family to California?

He feels it is unfair to be forced out and feels prideful about his land. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Tom's family put up the fight he expected them to?

Everyone was forced to leave with no choice; fighting the tractor driver wouldn't change the outcome. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jim Casy referring to when he says, 'Muley’s got a-holt of somepin, an’ it’s too big for him'?

Casy refers to Muley’s idea about sharing food, signifying the importance of community. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical ideas about killing and prison does Tom wonder about?

Tom questions why people search for meaning in random events, reflecting on the nature of justification in society. Signup and view all the answers

How does Willy Freely's opinion about helping others differ from Muley's?

Muley sees Willy as a traitor only looking out for himself, whereas Muley is connected to his past. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Tom's reaction to the arrival of the men trying to keep people off the land?

The irony is Tom is on his own land but has to hide from authorities due to his legal status. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of chapter 6, what does Casy think about?

Casy is thinking about how he can help people and is searching for his own identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the chapter 7 summary?

Farmers face challenges selling their goods and buying vehicles for their trek to California. Fast-talking salesmen exploit desperate farmers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's purpose of chapter 7?

To illustrate the exploitation faced by the Joads in their attempt to purchase a car for their journey. Signup and view all the answers

If the small interchapters present generalizations about life, what do the larger narrative chapters represent?

The larger chapters represent Tom Joad's journey while interchapters illustrate broader themes of the Dust Bowl. Signup and view all the answers

Why do so many people go to California?

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

What is the chapter 8 summary?

Casy and Tom leave for Uncle John's house. Tom reunites with family, and they discuss family members and their situations. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Uncle John have guilt that is driving him half crazy?

He feels responsible for his wife's death after mistaking her bellyache for something minor. Signup and view all the answers

What shows that Ma is a generous person?

Ma welcomes men to share breakfast without knowing who they are. Signup and view all the answers

Upon seeing Tom, what is the first concern of both Ma and Pa? What is Ma's second worry?

Both are concerned Tom has broken out of jail; Ma's second concern is if he has become bitter. Signup and view all the answers

What does Casy say is holy?

Casy says brotherhood is holy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the chapter 9 summary?

The tenant people sort their belongings to take west; they leave most behind, leading to anxiety about departure. 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 someday'?

This is a metaphor for the destruction caused by junk men to farmers. Signup and view all the answers

What statement in chapter nine signifies that Steinbeck seems to be predicting/preaching 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 left with few options while being stripped of their belongings, magnifying their desperation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter Summaries and Key Concepts

Chapter 1: Descriptions of drought and dust harming Oklahoma cornfields; the "Dust Bowl" prompts migration to California. Men show resilience despite hardships while women derive strength from men's strength.
Chapter 2: Tom Joad, recently released from prison, encounters a truck driver. Tom persuades the driver to give him a ride by highlighting moral pressure and the driver's suppressed desire to stand up against authority.
Chapter 3: A turtle symbolizes persistence and struggle, mirroring the Joads' journey despite harsh conditions, and contrasting male aggression with female nurturing.
Chapter 4: Tom reunites with preacher Jim Casy. Casy explores his crisis of faith after struggling with sin, reflecting on the nature of the human soul and collective spirituality.
Chapter 5: Bank representatives inform tenants they must leave, as sharecropping is deemed futile. Tractors symbolize mechanization's threat to farmer livelihoods, with farmers feeling powerless against economic forces.
Chapter 6: Tom and Casy discover the deserted Joad house, indicating a widespread exodus among neighbors. Muley Graves remains attached to his land despite economic pressures, showcasing themes of pride and loss.
Chapter 7: Farmers face exploitation while trying to purchase vehicles for the trek to California. Salesmen take advantage of their vulnerabilities, reflecting desperation amidst economic struggles.
Chapter 8: Tom reunites with his family after returning home. Uncle John’s guilt over his wife's death reveals deeper themes of responsibility and familial ties. Casy's newfound belief in brotherhood highlights collective human connections.
Chapter 9: Desperation leads tenants to sell personal belongings at low prices. The metaphor of bitterness emphasizes the emotional toll of losing one's home and the futility of their situation.
Chapter 10: The Joad family prepares to leave their land. Discussions reveal Ma’s cautious nature and practical concerns about California, highlighting her role as the family's emotional anchor.

Themes and Interpretations

Persistent Struggle: The turtle's journey mirrors the Joads' resilience against adversity, emphasizing determination despite harsh realities.
Economic Oppression: The impact of banks and mechanization on farmers underscores a critique of capitalism and loss of human connection.
Collective Identity: Casy's shift toward a philosophy valuing human connection reflects themes of solidarity and communal strength in the face of hardship.
Feminine Support: Ma’s role as the family’s backbone shows the traditional and powerful influence of women in maintaining familial unity during crisis.

Character Developments

Tom Joad: Represents the evolving struggle for identity and moral grounding, juxtaposed against societal systems that render individuals powerless.
Jim Casy: Functions as a Christ-like figure exploring themes of spirituality and the essence of humanity beyond conventional religious beliefs.
Ma Joad: Central maternal figure whose character embodies strength, caution, and wisdom in navigating family dynamics and survival strategies.

Literary Elements

Symbols: The turtle represents endurance, while tractors represent dehumanization and the loss of traditional farming.
Metaphors and Similes: Rich imagery underscores the emotional landscape of characters and their struggles; for example, comparisons heighten the atmosphere of despair and hope intertwined in their journey.
Foreshadowing: Elements in dialogue and character thoughts hint at future challenges and struggles awaiting the Joad family as they seek a better life.

Important Quotes

Casy's idea of brotherhood as holy emphasizes the human need for connection during times of crisis, challenging traditional notions of spirituality.
Ma’s concerns about California’s promises indicate a critical view of migration narratives and the American Dream.

Conclusion

The first fifteen chapters of "The Grapes of Wrath" introduce fundamental themes of resilience, economic disparity, and familial unity, explored through rich symbolism and character development, setting the stage for the Joads' continuing journey.### Chapter 10

A character expresses a deep connection to the land he has inhabited his entire life.

Chapter 11

Abandoned tenant farmer houses gradually decline in quality, symbolizing loss of life and community.
Themes of emptiness and isolation; cats stealthily disturb mice, likened to tractors disrupting farmland.

Chapter 11 Contrast Between Land Care

Land that is both lived on and farmed is nurtured with care, reflecting the dedication of those connected to it.
Absentee tractor drivers treat farmed land carelessly, lacking emotional investment; their efforts are temporary.

Chapter 12

Highway 66 is crowded with families migrating to California, illustrating desperation.
Gas station owners criticize families' hopes for opportunity in California.
Poor encounters lead to exploitation when families try to purchase car parts.
A poor family of twelve receives kindness from another family, showcasing themes of redemption.

Chapter 13

The Joads travel on Route 66, navigating their hopes and fears regarding California.
Ma Joad emphasizes living in the present rather than worrying about uncertain futures.
Grampa's health declines; the family faces tragedy when he dies after having a stroke.
Joads conduct a small funeral for Grampa—a testament to family loyalty and support amid hardship.
The Joads team up with the Wilsons for their journey to California.

Ma's Response to Al's Doubts

Ma reassures Al that focusing on the present is more valuable than worrying about the possible disappointments in California.

Grampa's Condition and Joads' Stress

Grampa's worsening illness reflects the overall heightened stress and anxiety of the Joad family as they depart Oklahoma.

Tom's View on the Fat Man

Tom believes the fat man lacks understanding of the migrant experience; he is critical of individuals who only complain without seeking solutions.

Tom's Kindness to the Fat Man

Finding common ground, Tom empathizes with the fat man, realizing their shared struggles.

Literary Device - Metaphor with Gila Monster

Casy's explanation of the Gila monster as a metaphor for banks and companies represents persistent economic oppression.

Rose of Sharon and Connie's Dream

Rose of Sharon and Connie are focused on aspirations for a better life away from farming; desire for stability and security stands in stark contrast to their current struggles.

Rose of Sharon’s Reaction to the Dog's Death

The incident serves as a catalyst for Rose of Sharon's fears about motherhood and the harsh realities of the world.

Grampa’s Death and the Joads' Response

Grampa's death denotes a loss tied to the family's agricultural heritage; the Joads choose to honor him by taking care of his burial themselves.

Irony in Tom's Comment on Government

Tom points out the paradox of government priorities: extensive investigations for murders contrasted with neglect for the living in need.

Casy's Insight on Grampa

Casy suggests that Grampa metaphorically dies when removed from the land, highlighting the interconnection between person and place.

Community Among Migrants

Conversations between the Joads and Wilsons emphasize the solidarity and loyalty that arise among migrant families in shared adversity.

Mrs. Wilson's Fear of Burden

Mrs. Wilson worries about being an impediment due to her illness, hinting at future challenges through foreshadowing.

Chapter 14

The influx of migrant farmers raises anxiety among western landowners, fearing potential revolts and not recognizing the farmers' plight.

Chapter 15

Route 66 features diners like Mae’s, where dynamics between staff and migrant customers reveal contrasting attitudes toward economic struggle.
Mae's initial disdain for migrants evolves into generosity when she sells bread at a discount, showcasing solidarity among the underprivileged.

The Disconnect of the Wealthy

Steinbeck critiques the rich who live in ignorance of migrant struggles, contrasting their pursuit of luxury with the desperation of the poor.

Al's Character Trait

Al demonstrates kindness by prioritizing compassion over business, choosing to help the needy.

Generosity of the Truck Drivers

The extra tip from truck drivers reflects appreciation for Mae and Al's compassion toward struggling travelers.

Key Characters and Events

Joad’s family dog is the first casualty; Ivy and Sairy Wilson join the Joads in their journey, illustrating the theme of mutual support.
The Joads are journeying in a Hudson Super-Six truck, representing their limited resources.

Steinbeck's Background and Impact

John Steinbeck wrote 17 novels, including "Grapes of Wrath," which won the Pulitzer Prize (1940) and Nobel Prize (1962).
"Grapes of Wrath" is named after Julia Ward Howe's Battle Hymn of the Republic, emphasizing its societal themes.
The novel's structure features short intercalary chapters depicting migrant life contrasted with the extended narrative of the Joad family's journey.

Literary Flaws in the Novel

Criticisms include sentimentality, flat characters, heavy symbolism, and unconvincing dialogue.

Major Themes of the Book

Layers of the narrative explore familial struggles, a societal quest for survival, and themes that resonate with the human condition through historical allusions.