The Grapes of Wrath Characters Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who is the main character in 'The Grapes of Wrath'?

Tom Joad

Who is Jim Casy?

A secondary character and friend of Tom Joad

What is Ma Joad concerned about during the journey to California?

The family falling apart

What happens to Pa Joad during the journey?

He loses control of the family and Ma takes over Signup and view all the answers

Who is Rose of Sharon?

The daughter of Ma and Pa Joad Signup and view all the answers

What role does Al Joad have in the family?

The mechanic and Tom's younger brother Signup and view all the answers

What is Noah Joad's significance in the story?

The deformed, shy brother who leaves the family Signup and view all the answers

Who is Winfield Joad?

The youngest sibling and very dependent Signup and view all the answers

What does Ruthie Joad do that causes trouble for Tom?

Accidentally threatens Tom's life by revealing a secret Signup and view all the answers

Who is Muley Graves?

A neighbor who refuses to leave his land Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Grampa Joad during the journey?

He dies shortly after leaving Oklahoma Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Granma Joad?

She frequently refers to Grandpa Joad as Will Signup and view all the answers

What significant action does Connie Rivers take during the journey?

He abandons Rose of Sharon and the family Signup and view all the answers

What does Jim Rawley do for Ma when she arrives at the government camp?

Makes her feel comfortable Signup and view all the answers

What role does Jessie Bullitt play in the story?

Head of the Ladies Committee at Weedpatch Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Thomas do in relation to Tom Joad?

He hires Tom Joad Signup and view all the answers

What event does Mrs. Wainwright assist with?

Helps deliver Rose-of-Sharon's stillborn baby Signup and view all the answers

What does Ivy Wilson do during the journey?

Tags along with the Joads Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Characters

Tom Joad: Protagonist recently paroled for manslaughter.
Jim Casy: Tom's friend, former preacher exploring his beliefs during their journey west.
Ma Joad: Matriarch of the Joad family, striving to keep the family united amid challenges.
Pa Joad: Ma's husband, struggles with his loss of status and control after losing their farm.
Rose of Sharon: Ma and Pa's daughter, faces hardship as her husband abandons her during their travels.

Siblings

Al Joad: Tom's 16-year-old brother, interested in girls and mechanics, desires stability.
Noah Joad: Tom's shy, deformed brother who feels unloved and chooses to leave the family.
Winfield Joad: The youngest sibling, relies on family for entertainment and direction.
Ruthie Joad: Youngest daughter, accidentally reveals family secrets, leading to potential danger.

Neighbors and Friends

Muley Graves: Oklahoma neighbor who refuses to leave his land after eviction, provides guidance to Tom.
Sairy Wilson: Family friend who accompanies the Joads to California but falls ill along the way.
Ivy Wilson: Fellow traveler who joins the Joads until illness prevents him from continuing.

Extended Family

Uncle John: Tom's uncle filled with guilt over his wife's death, struggles with alcoholism.
Grampa Joad: Tom's grandfather, clinging to Oklahoma, dies during the family's journey.
Granma Joad: Grampa's devout wife, loses the will to live after his death, dies in transit.

Other Important Characters

Connie Rivers: Rose of Sharon's husband who abandons the family for opportunity.
Jim Rawley: Friendly manager of the government camp, symbolizes hope and community.
Jessie Bullitt and Ella Summers: Leaders in the camp, showcase community dynamics and assistance among migrants.
Mr. Thomas: Boss who hires Tom, exemplifying struggles within labor markets for migrants.

Key Events and Themes

The plight of migrants as depicted through the Joad family’s struggles and interactions.
Dynamics of family, community, and individual identity in the face of economic hardship.
Exploration of religion, morality, and social justice through characters like Casy and John's guilt.
The impact of loss and the journey toward seeking a better life in California.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the characters from John Steinbeck's classic novel, 'The Grapes of Wrath'. This quiz features flashcards highlighting key characters and their roles in the story. Perfect for literature students and fans of the book!