The Grapes of Wrath Chapter Insights

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Questions and Answers

What do the Joad's family encounter in Arizona?

They met a border guard who wants to search their cars. To see that the family is checked, they put a sticker on their windshield.

What does the Joad's family encounter once they make it into California?

They got to the desert with no water and find a camping stop with a river running alongside.

What are the children doing along the river?

They enjoy dipping their toes into the cold river.

What happens to Granma and what is the others' reaction?

Granma cannot be waken up, reported by Noah, while others go wash themselves in the river. Signup and view all the answers

Who does the Joad's family meet along the riverside?

They met a son and a father who come from California and decide to go home. Signup and view all the answers

What do these two men say about the reality in California?

If the Land and Cattle Company does not want you to work for them, then you have no job. Signup and view all the answers

Why do people in California not want these migrant families to work there?

They are afraid that these migrant families will take away their possessions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the situation in California?

Some people own things themselves but are not willing to share. Signup and view all the answers

When was Granpa having the best time of his life?

When he was experiencing danger and he and another person whanged into a bunch. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the person who owns one million acres not happy?

He has no fun in his life and is scared of dying. Signup and view all the answers

What does Uncle John respond to Pa's worry?

He thinks there is no more use to talk more but just to experience it and solve it themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What decision does Noah make?

He does not want to go to California with his family now. Signup and view all the answers

Who is taking care of Granma?

Ma, Rose, and Sharon. Signup and view all the answers

What lecture does Ma give to Rosesharn?

She thinks as people grow up, they lower their importance on dying and living. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mom get angry at a woman?

She refuses the woman to pray in their tent for Granma. Signup and view all the answers

What does the praying voice sound like?

The women's voice sounds like the cry of a beast while the men's voice sounds like a howl of a wolf. Signup and view all the answers

What does the prayer do to Granma?

Granma falls asleep and she is saved. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rose of Sharon want before going to sleep?

She looks for Connie and is worried about him. Signup and view all the answers

Who calls into the tent and what does he want?

A police officer asks who is in the tents to ensure no more migrants settle there. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mom call on Tom, what does she want?

She is worried that Tom sees the policeman and might get into trouble. Signup and view all the answers

How does Pa react to Noah's departure?

He thinks it is all his fault. Signup and view all the answers

What other obstacles are in front of the Joad's family?

Wilson says that his wife is too ill to go directly to the desert. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Wilson tell Casy that his wife asks for him?

Sairy wants Casy to say her a prayer, but it does not have to be religious. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sairy want Casy to say a prayer?

She experiences closeness when she sings and wants that same connection with Casy's prayer. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pa give the Wilsons before they leave?

Pa gives Wilson money, pork, and potatoes. Signup and view all the answers

What eventually does Ma decide to do with the money before they leave?

Ma folds the money and puts it under the pork pan. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Wilson have his hat in his hand when Ma looks back?

He pays his respect and farewell to the Joad's family. Signup and view all the answers

What does the boy in the service station say about Tom's family's decision to cross the desert at night?

He thinks they are foolish for trying to cross without a good car. Signup and view all the answers

What are Connie and Rose of Sharon doing in the middle of the desert crossing?

They talk in very low voices, symbolizing segregation from their family. Signup and view all the answers

What does Uncle John want to talk to Casy about?

He fears he is the person who brings bad luck to the family. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Joad's family encounter at the inspection station?

The officer wants to inspect their truck for seeds, but Mom refuses. Signup and view all the answers

What is different about Ma?

She becomes hysterical and does not want to stop the truck. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ma decide to cover Granma's death?

She believes some need to be sacrificed for the well-being of others. Signup and view all the answers

What do people do to Granma's body?

They cover her and avoid eye contact with the body. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jim respond to Uncle John's belief that letting Granma die alone is a sin?

He believes it is inevitable and not a sin. Signup and view all the answers

What's Tom's role at the end of the chapter?

He becomes the leader and the guard of his family. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Joad Family's Journey

The Joad family is stopped by a border guard in Arizona who inspects their vehicles, marking them with a sticker for checking.
Upon reaching California, they face water scarcity in the desert but find a campsite by a river to rest.

Children's Experience

The children enjoy their new surroundings in California, dipping their toes in the cold river while sensing the harsh desert life ahead.

Granma's Condition

Granma is unresponsive, prompting Noah to alert the family, while others wash in the river, with Jim Casy taking pleasure in the water.

Encounters and Realities

The family meets a father-son duo returning home from California due to a lack of job opportunities despite the region's beauty.
They learn that local landowners may reject migrant workers for fear of them taking jobs or possessions.

Californians are depicted as unwilling to share resources, contributing to a cycle of hunger and despair among migrants.
Granpa recalls fond memories of danger as his happiest moments, in contrast to the current struggles faced by the family.

Family Decisions

Noah ultimately decides to stay behind, feeling unloved and disillusioned by California's promises and wanting to live by the river.
Uncle John encourages action over discussion in response to Pa's concerns, showing a practical approach to their challenges.

Women's Perspectives

Ma instructs Rose of Sharon about loneliness and the natural acceptance of life versus death as one matures.
Tension arises when Ma refuses a woman’s offer to pray for Granma, insisting she is just slow to awaken.

Emotional Reactions

Ma describes the prayer sounds as animalistic, a release from pressure despite their calm demeanor otherwise.
Granma falls into a deep sleep, with Ma believing Jim Casy contributes to the calming atmosphere.

Concerns About the Future

Rose of Sharon expresses anxiety over Connie, her husband, worried about his potential and future actions.
The family faces hostility from police when questioned about their presence in the camp, highlighting tensions between locals and migrants.

Inner Conflicts

Pa feels guilt over Noah's decision to leave the family, burdened by past mistakes.
The Wilson family, facing illness and hardship, refuses to be a burden despite knowing they might need help.

Sairy's Request

Sairy, ill, asks Casy for a prayer for her husband, revealing her selflessness as she wishes to alleviate his future burdens.

Farewell Gestures

Pa gives the Wilsons supplies, but they refuse money, underscoring their pride and mutual struggles.
Ma decides to leave money under the pork pan for anyone in need, indicating kindness amid hardship.

Traveling Challenges

Concerns grow about traveling at night through the desert without adequate transportation.
Connie and Rose of Sharon's low conversations signify a growing emotional divide from the family, as Rose dreams of independence.

Personal Struggles

Uncle John confesses guilt over his late wife, questioning his presence in the family and fearing he brings bad luck.
The family faces an inspection, with Ma arguing for their need to see a doctor for Granma.

Grief and Sacrifice

Ma’s denial of Granma’s death signifies her determination to prioritize the family’s future.
Out of practical necessity, the family covers Granma’s body, reflecting their harsh environment's lessons on sacrifice.

Philosophical Beliefs

Jim challenges Uncle John's belief that allowing Granma to die alone is sinful, advocating instead that acceptance is necessary.
Tom steps into a leadership role, acknowledging his family’s loss of hope and future, as he contemplates burying Granma in a place filled with promise.

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Description

Explore the struggles of the Joad family as they journey to California in search of a better life. This quiz delves into their experiences with social dynamics, family challenges, and the harsh realities of migrant life. Test your knowledge on this compelling narrative from Steinbeck's classic novel.