Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which highway do many migrating farmers take?
Which highway do many migrating farmers take?
Highway 66
When the drivers stop to buy parts for their cars, how do the salesmen treat them?
When the drivers stop to buy parts for their cars, how do the salesmen treat them?
The salesmen cheat them.
How are the migrating farmers treated by people along the highway?
How are the migrating farmers treated by people along the highway?
They are met with hostility and suspicion.
What is an example of a moment of hope and beauty along Highway 66?
What is an example of a moment of hope and beauty along Highway 66?
Steinbeck illustrates that despite life's atrocities, one can always find beauty.
Steinbeck illustrates that despite life's atrocities, one can always find beauty.
What is Al listening for as he drives the truck?
What is Al listening for as he drives the truck?
Who do people say will turn back the migrant farmers when they reach California?
Who do people say will turn back the migrant farmers when they reach California?
When the Joads stop for gas, who does Tom argue with and why?
When the Joads stop for gas, who does Tom argue with and why?
Where do the fancy, new cars stop for gas along Route 66?
Where do the fancy, new cars stop for gas along Route 66?
How does the Joad family dog die, and who buries the dog?
How does the Joad family dog die, and who buries the dog?
Why do Rose of Sharon and Connie burst into giggles in Oklahoma City?
Why do Rose of Sharon and Connie burst into giggles in Oklahoma City?
How does Grampa Joad die, and what do the Joads do with his body?
How does Grampa Joad die, and what do the Joads do with his body?
How do the Joads meet the Wilsons?
How do the Joads meet the Wilsons?
According to Ma, what is the best way to deal with things?
According to Ma, what is the best way to deal with things?
Is Ma worried about the journey to California?
Is Ma worried about the journey to California?
Why is Rose of Sharon disturbed about the dog's death?
Why is Rose of Sharon disturbed about the dog's death?
As the Joads get ready to leave the gas station, where does Rose of Sharon find Granma?
As the Joads get ready to leave the gas station, where does Rose of Sharon find Granma?
What is Winfield's reaction to seeing the dead dog?
What is Winfield's reaction to seeing the dead dog?
Which member of the Joad family notices that Grampa is sick?
Which member of the Joad family notices that Grampa is sick?
What does Jim Casy say when Granma asks him to pray over sick Grampa?
What does Jim Casy say when Granma asks him to pray over sick Grampa?
What is Jim Casy doing when Grampa dies?
What is Jim Casy doing when Grampa dies?
What do the Joads bury Grampa with?
What do the Joads bury Grampa with?
Who writes the letter that identifies Grampa, and what is added?
Who writes the letter that identifies Grampa, and what is added?
According to Jim Casy, who needs prayer, the living or the dead?
According to Jim Casy, who needs prayer, the living or the dead?
People living in the West understand what has happened in Oklahoma and the Midwest.
People living in the West understand what has happened in Oklahoma and the Midwest.
What are citizens of western states (especially farm owners) worried about, regarding the migrant farmers?
What are citizens of western states (especially farm owners) worried about, regarding the migrant farmers?
What issues do the migrant farmers strike about?
What issues do the migrant farmers strike about?
According to Steinbeck, what is the true cause of the strikes?
According to Steinbeck, what is the true cause of the strikes?
What are Steinbeck's thoughts regarding 'I,' and 'we,' and sharing?
What are Steinbeck's thoughts regarding 'I,' and 'we,' and sharing?
Who are Mae and Al?
Who are Mae and Al?
How does Mae feel about the migrant farmers?
How does Mae feel about the migrant farmers?
Why does Mae only treat truck drivers well?
Why does Mae only treat truck drivers well?
Why does Mae dislike rich couples?
Why does Mae dislike rich couples?
How does Al the cook manipulate the slot machines at the restaurant?
How does Al the cook manipulate the slot machines at the restaurant?
Why do the truck drivers leave Mae a big tip?
Why do the truck drivers leave Mae a big tip?
Where do Rose of Sharon and Connie plan to live when they reach California, and how does Ma Joad feel about their plan?
Where do Rose of Sharon and Connie plan to live when they reach California, and how does Ma Joad feel about their plan?
What part is needed to fix the Wilsons' car?
What part is needed to fix the Wilsons' car?
Describe the disagreement involving Tom's plan to stay behind and fix the Wilsons' car.
Describe the disagreement involving Tom's plan to stay behind and fix the Wilsons' car.
Why is Jim Casy uneasy about the job prospects in California?
Why is Jim Casy uneasy about the job prospects in California?
At the service station where Tom finds the needed car part, what does the attendant complain about?
At the service station where Tom finds the needed car part, what does the attendant complain about?
Why does Tom refuse to stay in a camp with his family one night?
Why does Tom refuse to stay in a camp with his family one night?
Why does another camper laugh at Pa Joad when he tells him about their plans to work in California?
Why does another camper laugh at Pa Joad when he tells him about their plans to work in California?
What is the other camper's advice to the Joads?
What is the other camper's advice to the Joads?
What happened to the other camper's family?
What happened to the other camper's family?
As the migrants travel west, what happens to the families?
As the migrants travel west, what happens to the families?
What are the rules and practices of the newly-formed migrant communities?
What are the rules and practices of the newly-formed migrant communities?
Finish this sentence: 'They were not farm men any more, but...'
Finish this sentence: 'They were not farm men any more, but...'
When the Joad men bathe in the river, who do they meet, and what do the strangers warn them about?
When the Joad men bathe in the river, who do they meet, and what do the strangers warn them about?
Why does Noah leave the family?
Why does Noah leave the family?
How do the Joads get past the agricultural inspection?
How do the Joads get past the agricultural inspection?
What river do the men bathe in when they first cross into California?
What river do the men bathe in when they first cross into California?
What is the last big obstacle the Joads must cross before reaching the lush valleys of California?
What is the last big obstacle the Joads must cross before reaching the lush valleys of California?
How much money do the Joads have left when they first cross into California?
How much money do the Joads have left when they first cross into California?
According to the stranger in the river, what is the irony about the land in California?
According to the stranger in the river, what is the irony about the land in California?
According to the stranger in the river, what is the worst thing about California?
According to the stranger in the river, what is the worst thing about California?
What does the stranger in the river tell Tom and Jim about the rich man in California?
What does the stranger in the river tell Tom and Jim about the rich man in California?
How does Noah plan to survive at the river?
How does Noah plan to survive at the river?
Why does a strange woman enter Ma and Granma's tent near the river?
Why does a strange woman enter Ma and Granma's tent near the river?
Why do the Wilsons stay behind at the river?
Why do the Wilsons stay behind at the river?
What do the Joads leave for the Wilsons?
What do the Joads leave for the Wilsons?
At the service station right before the desert crossing, why does the attendant say the Joads have nerve?
At the service station right before the desert crossing, why does the attendant say the Joads have nerve?
Why does Uncle John feel he is bringing bad luck to the family, and how does Casy respond to this?
Why does Uncle John feel he is bringing bad luck to the family, and how does Casy respond to this?
Study Notes
Migrating Farmers and Highway 66
- Migrating farmers primarily travel on Highway 66 in search of better opportunities.
- Salesmen often exploit and cheat these vulnerable travelers when they stop for car parts.
- Hostility and suspicion greet migrants along the highway, with locals suggesting to return home due to perceived overpopulation.
Moments of Hope Amid Adversity
- A poignant moment occurs with a stranded family possessing only a trailer, showcasing resilience as they continue their journey to California in "two jumps."
- Steinbeck emphasizes the coexistence of beauty and cruelty in life, illustrating the enduring nature of hope.
Family Dynamics and Challenges
- Al diligently listens for any mechanical issues while driving, symbolizing the anxiety of the journey.
- Tom argues with a gas attendant who doubts the Joad family’s ability to pay, reflecting societal prejudices against migrants.
Loss and Grief
- Grampa Joad suffers a stroke, leading to an improvised funeral that defies legality, highlighting the desperation of the migrants.
- The family faces compounded grief when their dog is hit by a car, further burdening their emotional state.
Community and Survival
- The Joads bond with the Wilsons, pooling resources and deciding to travel together for mutual support.
- As they travel, the dynamics among migrant families evolve, transforming them into a unified group with shared hardships.
Observations on Society
- Mae, a waitress, exhibits prejudices against migrants, despite being influenced by Al to show them kindness.
- The bustling atmosphere of migrant communities fosters an evolution of accepted conduct and leadership, developing a new sense of identity.
Desperation and Irony in California
- Many migrants face grim realities, including the competition for limited work opportunities framed by deceptive handbills.
- Travelers encounter hostility upon reaching California, where they are derogatorily labeled "Okies" by locals.
Family and Personal Choices
- Noah’s decision to leave signifies a personal struggle with familial connections and love.
- Uncle John grapples with guilt over past decisions affecting his family, reflecting on morality and sin with Jim Casy's guidance.
Economic Concerns and Struggles
Migrant strikes against government and employment practices highlight the collective anguish stemming from exploitation.
- Steinbeck suggests that unity among individuals in struggle can lead to strength against oppressive circumstances.
Emotional and Physical Strain
- Ma Joad's anxiety illustrates the burdens placed upon women in their roles as caretakers and decision-makers during the journey.
- The Joads leave resources for the Wilsons, demonstrating solidarity, despite their own precarious situation.
Symbolic Land and Opportunity
- The stark contrast between the idealized vision of California and the harsh realities faced by migrants serves as a central theme in Steinbeck's narrative.
- The Colorado River represents a pivotal moment of transition and survival as the characters navigate challenges before entering California.
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Description
Test your understanding of the key themes in John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath'. This quiz explores the challenges faced by migrant families, moments of hope, and societal prejudices as depicted in the novel. Dive into the complexities of familial bonds and the struggle for survival amid adversity.
