Chapter Sixteen Flashcards
Where does Chapter Sixteen begin?
With the Joad’s and Wilson’s travelling through Oklahoma into the Texas Panhandle.
What does the pace of the travel after two days show?
Its exhausting nature as well as their resilience and commitment to the journey.
What does Rose of Sharon tell Ma about her plans?
That she and Connie plan to live in town whilst the rest of the family work the land. Connie will study at night and work towards owning a business.
What is Rose of Sharon excited about regarding her plan?
The opportunities urban life offers her - motion pictures, hospitals and so on.
Why does Ma Joad oppose the idea?
Because she does not want to see her family separated - she does not push this objection as she sees Rose of Sharon is only dreaming.
What happens to the Wilson’s car and why does it anger Al?
It breaks down whilst Al is driving due to a broken bearing - Al takes it as a sign of his own incompetence.
It is worsened by Tom insinuating it was Al’s fault.
What common theme is Al’s anger a sign of?
A guilt many men in the novel feel when something is out of their control.
What do Tom, Al and Casy volunteer to do which Ma opposes?
To stay with the car whilst the group continues - Pa agrees but Ma challenges this by refusing to go along.
Why is Ma willing to challenge Pa’s leadership? What is more important?
Family sticking together is more important.
When fixing the car what does Tom refuse to talk about with Al?
Personal topics - Tom would prefer to focus on moving forwards than overthinking hardships. Similar to Ma.
When is Tom’s moral ambiguity highlighted?
At the scrapyard looking for a car part. One eyed man complains about his life - Tom tells him to get his life together but refuses a ride to California when he asks.
How is loneliness shown through the one eyed man?
His suffering and the illustration of him crying after the brothers leave demonstrates destructive nature of loneliness.
How is Tom’s stubbornness shown?
At a local camp, after being asked to pay a fee to sleep on the property, Tom sleeps down the road despite the inconvenience.
What is one of the first direct signs of the experiences the Joad’s will have in California?
A man tells Pa he is returning from California - there were more flyers than workers needed so they could exploit those going.
How is the haggard man’s remorse shown?
He offers Pa tips on how to negotiate better working conditions.
