The Grapes of Wrath Themes Quiz

Questions and Answers

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?

The salesmen cheat them.

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?

The stranded family that possesses only a trailer and waits by the side of the road for lifts. Signup and view all the answers

Steinbeck illustrates that despite life's atrocities, one can always find beauty.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is Al listening for as he drives the truck?

He listens for any signs of the truck breaking down. Signup and view all the answers

Who do people say will turn back the migrant farmers when they reach California?

The California border patrol Signup and view all the answers

When the Joads stop for gas, who does Tom argue with and why?

He argues with the gas attendant, who insinuates that the family has no money to pay for gas. Signup and view all the answers

Where do the fancy, new cars stop for gas along Route 66?

They stop at the yellow-painted company stations in town. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Joad family dog die, and who buries the dog?

The dog is hit by a car, and the gas attendant agrees to bury the dog. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Rose of Sharon and Connie burst into giggles in Oklahoma City?

They giggle at the fashions they see worn for the first time. Signup and view all the answers

How does Grampa Joad die, and what do the Joads do with his body?

He has a stroke, and the Joads improvise a funeral and bury their grandfather. Signup and view all the answers

How do the Joads meet the Wilsons?

They camp along the roadside and meet the Wilsons, whose car has broken down. Signup and view all the answers

According to Ma, what is the best way to deal with things?

She says it is best to deal with things as they come, and not worry about them before. Signup and view all the answers

Is Ma worried about the journey to California?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why is Rose of Sharon disturbed about the dog's death?

She worries that witnessing something so gruesome will harm her unborn baby. Signup and view all the answers

As the Joads get ready to leave the gas station, where does Rose of Sharon find Granma?

Asleep on the toilet. Signup and view all the answers

What is Winfield's reaction to seeing the dead dog?

Winfield vomits. Signup and view all the answers

Which member of the Joad family notices that Grampa is sick?

Noah. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jim Casy say when Granma asks him to pray over sick Grampa?

He says that he doesn't know how to pray. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jim Casy doing when Grampa dies?

Reciting the Lord's Prayer. Signup and view all the answers

What do the Joads bury Grampa with?

They decide to bury Grampa with a letter enclosed in a fruit jar. Signup and view all the answers

Who writes the letter that identifies Grampa, and what is added?

Tom writes the letter and adds a verse from Psalms. Signup and view all the answers

According to Jim Casy, who needs prayer, the living or the dead?

The living. Signup and view all the answers

People living in the West understand what has happened in Oklahoma and the Midwest.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are citizens of western states (especially farm owners) worried about, regarding the migrant farmers?

They fear that the dislocated farmers will come together and stage a revolt. Signup and view all the answers

What issues do the migrant farmers strike about?

They strike at big government, labor unity, and new taxes. Signup and view all the answers

According to Steinbeck, what is the true cause of the strikes?

Man has a need to live and to work for a purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What are Steinbeck's thoughts regarding 'I,' and 'we,' and sharing?

A single family is turned off their land, and a tractor replaces them. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Mae and Al?

Mae is a waitress and Al is a cook. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mae feel about the migrant farmers?

Mae says that the farmers are rumored to be thieves. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mae only treat truck drivers well?

She feels that they leave the biggest tips. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mae dislike rich couples?

She says that they just mess up the place and complain about the food. Signup and view all the answers

How does Al the cook manipulate the slot machines at the restaurant?

He takes a bunch of nickels out of the register and feeds them into one of their three slot machines. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the truck drivers leave Mae a big tip?

Mae was being generous by selling a migrant family a loaf of bread for 10 cents. Signup and view all the answers

Where do Rose of Sharon and Connie plan to live when they reach California, and how does Ma Joad feel about their plan?

They plan to live in town; Ma is worried about splitting the family. Signup and view all the answers

What part is needed to fix the Wilsons' car?

A con-rod bearing. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the disagreement involving Tom's plan to stay behind and fix the Wilsons' car.

The Wilsons offer to stay behind, but Tom suggests he and Casy stay behind too. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Jim Casy uneasy about the job prospects in California?

He counts hundreds of migrant farmers passing them, going West. Signup and view all the answers

At the service station where Tom finds the needed car part, what does the attendant complain about?

The attendant hates his boss and complains about how hard it is having one eye. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom refuse to stay in a camp with his family one night?

He is asked to pay another fifty cents to camp, which he refuses. Signup and view all the answers

Why does another camper laugh at Pa Joad when he tells him about their plans to work in California?

He tells them that he is returning from California to starve at home. Signup and view all the answers

What is the other camper's advice to the Joads?

Find out in advance what the pay is for any job they take in California. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the other camper's family?

His wife and children starved to death because he took them to find work in California. Signup and view all the answers

As the migrants travel west, what happens to the families?

The cars of the migrants crawl west by day and cluster together by night. Signup and view all the answers

What are the rules and practices of the newly-formed migrant communities?

Accepted rules of conduct evolve to create safety. Signup and view all the answers

Finish this sentence: 'They were not farm men any more, but...'

Migrant men. Signup and view all the answers

When the Joad men bathe in the river, who do they meet, and what do the strangers warn them about?

They meet a father and son who caution them about the hostility they will face in California. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Noah leave the family?

He claims that his absence will not really hurt the family. Signup and view all the answers

How do the Joads get past the agricultural inspection?

Ma pleads with the officer, saying that Granma is in desperate need of medical attention. Signup and view all the answers

What river do the men bathe in when they first cross into California?

The Colorado River. Signup and view all the answers

What is the last big obstacle the Joads must cross before reaching the lush valleys of California?

A desert. Signup and view all the answers

How much money do the Joads have left when they first cross into California?

$40. Signup and view all the answers

According to the stranger in the river, what is the irony about the land in California?

Much good land is owned by the Land and Cattle company that is lying fallow. Signup and view all the answers

According to the stranger in the river, what is the worst thing about California?

People hate you by the look on their faces, and call you Okie as an insult. Signup and view all the answers

What does the stranger in the river tell Tom and Jim about the rich man in California?

He tells them about a man who drives around in an armored car, looking scared and unhappy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Noah plan to survive at the river?

Fishing. Signup and view all the answers

Why does a strange woman enter Ma and Granma's tent near the river?

Granma is sick and hallucinating, and the woman wants to hold a meeting. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the Wilsons stay behind at the river?

Mrs. Wilson is too weak to cross the desert. Signup and view all the answers

What do the Joads leave for the Wilsons?

Two dollars, and some pork and potatoes. Signup and view all the answers

At the service station right before the desert crossing, why does the attendant say the Joads have nerve?

He says they have nerve to cross in such a jalopy. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Uncle John feel he is bringing bad luck to the family, and how does Casy respond to this?

Uncle John believes he brought bad luck due to his past; Casy says he can't define sin. Signup and view all the answers

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.