The Grapes of Wrath Chapters 1-2 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Who wrote The Grapes of Wrath?

John Steinbeck

In what year was The Grapes of Wrath written/published?

1939

When did Steinbeck win the Pulitzer Prize for this book?

1940

What month was the last rain?

May Signup and view all the answers

In what state does the novel begin?

Oklahoma Signup and view all the answers

What was like fog?

The dust Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote 'Women and children knew deep in themselves that no misfortune was too great to bear if their men were whole' mean?

Nothing bad is going to happen if their man was there (whole) Signup and view all the answers

What event is this book about?

The Dust Bowl and how people migrated to California in the 1930s Signup and view all the answers

What type of chapter is chapter 1?

Inter Signup and view all the answers

What was written on the side of the truck?

OCTC; Oklahoma City Transport Company Signup and view all the answers

What does 'stinko' mean?

U.S. slang meaning intoxicated with alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What did the sticker on the windshield of the truck say?

No riders Signup and view all the answers

What type of shoes did the man in all the new clothes have on?

Tan shoes called Army last Signup and view all the answers

When the hitchhiker says his 'dogs' are pooped, what is he talking about?

His new shoes Signup and view all the answers

What is the hitchhiker's name?

Tom Joad Signup and view all the answers

Where had Joad been for 4 years?

McAlester; State penitentiary Signup and view all the answers

Why was Joad there?

Killed a guy. 7 years. Signup and view all the answers

Why did he get out early?

Keep nose clean (paroled for good behavior) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'cat' mean?

Slang for Caterpillar: trademark for a tractor equipped on each side with a continuous roller belt over cogged wheels, for moving over rough or muddy ground. Signup and view all the answers

What is a truck skinner?

Mule driver/Truck driver Signup and view all the answers

What is Tom Joad's background?

Been in prison for homicide for 4 years. Going home to his family who are sharecroppers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the truck driver do?

Gives Joad a ride even though he is not supposed to Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Publication

John Steinbeck authored The Grapes of Wrath.
The novel was published in 1939, with Steinbeck winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1940.

Setting and Context

The narrative begins in Oklahoma, a state deeply affected by the Dust Bowl.
The last rain before the turmoil represented in the book occurred in May.
The story chronicles the struggles of families who migrated to California during the 1930s due to the Dust Bowl.

Key Events and Characters

Dust clouded the landscape, described as being akin to fog, symbolizing the pervasive hardship.
Women and children relied on the presence of men for emotional strength, believing that no adversity could be too harsh if their men were physically intact.
The character Tom Joad returns home after serving four years in McAlester, a state penitentiary, for homicide.

Important Symbols and Terms

The sticker on the windshield of a truck read "No riders," indicating a common restriction during the era.
The truck, marked with OCTC for Oklahoma City Transport Company, highlights the transportation challenges of the time.
"Stinko" is a U.S. slang term meaning intoxicated, reflecting social conditions.
"Cat" refers to a Caterpillar tractor, a crucial tool for agriculture and land movement in the context of the Dust Bowl.

Character Dynamics

Tom Joad is depicted as a hard-luck character, embodying the struggles of displaced sharecroppers.
A hitchhiker, likely representing the restless spirit of the time, mentions his "dogs" being pooped, a colloquial reference to his new Army issue tan shoes.

Occupations and Roles

The term "truck skinner" denotes roles such as mule driver or truck driver, essential for transportation of goods and people amidst the chaos.
The character of the truck driver offers Joad a ride, highlighting community support despite societal restrictions against picking up hitchhikers.

Themes

Central themes include migration, resilience in the face of ruin, and familial loyalty amidst adversity.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from Chapters 1 and 2 of John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath'. Enhance your understanding of the characters, setting, and historical context of this classic novel. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike!