Grapes of Wrath

Novel Questions

Chapters 1-6

  1. What is the significance of the setting in the opening chapters?

* I think that the author is trying to give you a greater understanding of exactly how rough the dust bowl really was, and just how tough it made it for everyone to be able to survive.

  1. Steinbeck uses what are called "intercalary chapters" which are not about the Joads but about the social background needed to better understand the point of the novel. What does the turtle episode in Chapter 3 have to do with this novel?

* I think it shows that even though we all go through struggles, that when we continue to try and work hard, that we can achieve anything.

  1. We meet Jim Casey in Chapter 4; give details about his past.

*Jim used to be a preacher, but not anymore.

Chapters 7-11

  1. Explain the significance of chapter seven. Why did Steinbeck include the "car talk" segment?

*To show that in hard times, like the ones they were facing, that people would do some crazy things for a dollar or two.

  1. In this section, you witness the homecoming sequence and gain more knowledge about the family members. Based on this sequence, how would you describe both Ma and Pa?

*Ma seems very kind, loving, and sincere at heart. Pa seems to be positive about everything except for the future, which at this point is very questionable.

  1. "An’, by God, they’s grapes out there, just a-hangin’ over inta the road. Know what I’m a-gonna do? I’m gonna pick me a wash tub full of grapes, an’ I’m gonna set in ‘em, and scrooge around’, an’ let the juice run down my pants." Who makes this statement and what is its significance?

*Grampa makes this quote, and it hints that he wants a better life than what he’s having to endure right now.

Chapters 12-26

  1. Chapter 12 is another intercalary chapter. Give some specifics about shared experiences of all the strangers traveling west.

*In this chapter everyone is full of questions and uncertainty about what will lie ahead in the days to come, and if they will even be able to survive.

  1. Explain why the death of Grampa in Chapter 13 is not tragic. Go beyond the obvious about age and death.

*Grampa wouldn’t want them to dwell on the sadness. Their lives are full of sadness anyway because of the situation their in, so they should be happy and joyful when they can.

  1. In Chapter 16, Tom says, "I’m still layin’ my dogs down one at a time." Explain how that line is at the heart of the migrants’ attitude.

* It’s from the heart, because it’s like their all losing things slowly but surely, and at the same time living day by day just trying to make it.

Chapters 17-20

  1. In these chapters, Steinbeck uses the word "family" to convey more than the traditional family unit. What does Steinbeck mean by his useage?

*Since everybody is in the same situation, people are coming together as a family to help lift up and support one another.

  1. "The man took two steps backward. "Well, you ain’t in your country now. You’re in California, an’ we don’t want you goddamn Okies settlin’ down." Explain the confrontation that had taken place prior to this incident and also explain how these comments foreshadow events in the future.

* It shows that problems are showing up now, but their not stopping yet, and are going to continue to happen.

  1. Why is Tom so frightened when the "law" appears in the fields? What happened?

* Because in most cases, when the law showed up, it was not a good situation.

  1. Chapter 20 is a significant one for selfless acts. Briefly describe two scenes in which the characters put others before themselves.

*The first selfless act was when Casey took the blame for Tom over a deal that was made. The second act of selflessness was from Ma, she is always selfless, not just in this chapter.

Chapters 21-24

  1. Chapter 21 shows the growing ill felling towards the Okies and poor in general. Discuss briefly who is to blame for the fight to work for the lowest wage.

* The owners are to blame, they care about no one, as long as they get their way.

  1. Chapter 22 is a long one and one of the most comfortable ones for the reader as the Joads have a decent place to live. The Weedpatch Camp causes lots of unease with the nearby landowners and others. Explain why.

* The government has total control over them while they are in these camps, so they don’t make their own rules.

  1. The intercalary chapter 23 shows a respite in an increasingly violent world. The music is important, but what is even more important? What do the evenings do for the poor and homeless?

*Dancing is more important than the music. It gives them a chance to rid their minds of the bad things in life, and just focus on the moment and having a good time.

Chapters 25-26

  1. The intercalary Chapter 25 has a discussion of taxes and who pays them. What is the Okie’s argument?

* The argument is over what to do with the food that is left over. Some say it should be given away, and others disagree.

  1. At the end of Chapter 25, Steinbeck refers to the grapes of wrath. Explain the image he uses.

* He refers to the life cycle and how things tend to start domino effects on one another.

  1. In Chapter 26, Jim Casey reappears. Describe how he takes on the burdens of the pickers; what happens to him?

* He starts a strike for the pickers because they didn’t receive the pay that they were promised. For this, he is killed.

Chapters 27-30

  1. "Ma’s eyes passed Rose of Sharon’s eyes, and then came back to them. And the two women looked deep into each other. The girl’s breath came short and gasping.

"She said, ‘Yes.’

"Ma smile. ‘I knowed you would. I knowed!’"

What is the significance of this scene?

* It shows that life will continue no matter what is happening. No matter how bad we want life to just stop or slow down, it doesn’t.

  1. How does this scene prove that Rose of Sharon has changed?

*She gives something to someone, selflessness, and that makes her have a feeling of change inside.

  1. If you had a crystal ball and could see into the future, what would your "chapter 31" contain? Make certain that your answer reflects your understanding of Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath.

*If I would have written it, it would have been about love, togetherness, and the importance of family. I would change the relationships that the characters had with one another to reflect those feelings.

  1. "[Casey] went out in the wilderness to find his own soul, an ‘he foun’ he didn’ have no soul that was his’n. Says he found he jus’ got a little piece of a great big soul."

Explain the significance of this statement.

*It shows that life has become a little easier, and that he is at peace with himself and life in general.