Chapter Thirty Flashcards
As the rain does not let up what do the Wainwrights suggest?
To leave as they are fearful that the boxcar will flood - Al proposes to leave with them.
This will divide the family.
Why are the Joad’s unable to leave?
Rose of Sharon goes into labour on the third day - leaves the Joads unable to escape from dire situation.
What does Pa get the rest of the men to help build?
A dam to protect the box cars - they are reluctant to stay but help due to the Joad’s predicament.
What is the constructed embankment broken by?
It is torn apart by an uprooted tree with the current then flooding the Joad’s engine.
Despite the men helping, overcoming human cruelty, what other force can they not beat?
Can surpass human cruelty but cannot overcome the elements.
What does Mrs. Wainwright tell Pa and why is he angry?
Tells him Rose of Sharon’s baby was stillborn - Pa agonises to Ma over his failed dam. Ma says not to blame himself.
What happens to the baby?
It is placed in an apple box by Uncle John who sends it down the current.
What does Uncle John say the baby will do?
To ‘go down and tell em. Go down in the street an rot an tell em that way’ - the baby will convey the story of the migrants suffering.
What does Ma decide after days of intermittent rain?
To move somewhere safer - Al stays with the Wainwrights though Ma promises to return.
What does this show of Ma?
She is always optimistic, hoping that elsewhere it will get better.
What does the family come across as it marches down the highway?
A barn on a hill with a father and son inside.
What does the son beg of the family?
For milk or soup for his father as he is starving to death and cannot keep any food down.
Why do Ma and Rose of Sharon exchange a wordless glance?
Rose of Sharon just says “yes” - indicating that she will breastfeed the man.
The family leave the barn to let her.
What is the act of Rose of Sharon feeding the man?
The books ultimate act of altruism - also shows that life and generosity can still come out of the tragedy that has befallen Rose of Sharon.
What does the act of breastfeeding in some way reference?
Mary giving comfort to Christ - the desperate situation of the Okies and Joads now will end in a triumphant revolution of human spirit.
