Grapes of Wrath - Key Episodes Flashcards
Chapter 3 (intercalary)
A turtle moves across a run-down highway. As it works its way across the road a woman swerves to avoid running it over. The turtle is thrown across the highway by a truck and lands on its back. It manages to turn over.
Chapter 3 - Analysis
The turtle’s persistence in the face of adversity symbolises the perseverance of Oklahoma farmers, who receive both kind and malicious treatment from the humans they encounter.
Chapter 4
Casy explains why he has given up being a preacher. He tells Tom he was plagued by guilt for sleeping with girls from his congregations, but was unable to stop. Casy concluded he doesn’t really believe in the Christian concept of sin.
Chapter 4 - Analysis
Casy’s guilt stems from the black-and-white teachings of sin and virtue that he believed while he was preaching. His re-evaluation of his faith shows less of a focus on absolute judgements like good and evil, and instead emphasises common humanity.
Chapter 5 (intercalary) - Analysis
Strongly emphasises the dehumanising effects of large institutions. Banks are ‘monsters’ that have grown well past the control of the humans running them. Landowners disregard the basic human needs of their tenant farmers, even if it pains them to do so. This inhumanity is heightened by the use of machines which do the work of dozens of people, without a connection to the land.
Chapter 8
Ma Joad tells Tom about her hopes for California. Tom warns her to not be too optimistic. The family holds a conference deciding whether Casy can come. Ma overrules her husband’s uncertainty. Grampa is determined to stay. The Joad’s spike Grampa’s coffee with Winfield’s medicine so they can bring him.
Chapter 8 - Analysis
Ma’s choice to bring Casy is a testament to her determination, resilience, and generosity. For the Joad’s bar Grampa, the bond of family is clearly stronger than that of land, since they are willing to take Grampa against his will.
Chapter 13
Joad’s arrive at a gas station and the proprietor doubts the Joads can afford gas. The attendant explains most at the station are migrants who can’t afford anything. Tom snaps at the man for speaking unsympathetically of migrants. The entire gas station is in a poorly-disguised state of disrepair. Tom apologises and sympathises. Soon after the Joad’s stop to camp, Grampa feels ill, and the Wilson’s let him relax in their tent. Grampa soon dies of a stroke.
Chapter 13 - Analysis
The gas station clarifies the cycle of mistreatment the migrants experience. Larger gas stations hurt this gas station attendant, and he makes the migrants suffer. Tom’s insight makes him treat the fat man like a human being. The hospitable interaction between the Joads and the Wilsons restores hope in human kindness and brotherhood
Chapter 16
Rose of Sharon tells Ma, in California, she and Connie plan to live in town. Ma opposes this idea, but doesn’t push her objection as Rose of Sharon is dreaming. Tom, Al, and Casy volunteer to stay with the car while the Joad’s continue on. Pa supports this, but Ma challenges his authority. At the camp, a man tells Pa he’s on his way back from California and the Joad’s search for work will be fruitless.
Chapter 16 - Analysis
The handbills that promise work are designed to yield far too many workers so employers can exploit the workers who show up. First direct sign the Joads’ experience in California will involve still more hardship
Chapter 18
Pa and Tom come across and boy and father returning from California after finding no work. Granma raves and yells at Grampa Joad (imagining him) in the heat, Rose of Sharon looks after her. Ivy and Sairy Wilson can’t continue with the Joads, Sairy is becoming ill. The Joads reach California. Granma has been dead since they passed the checkpoint
Chapter 18 - Analysis
Arable land often lies fallow, and migrants will be punished for cultivating it. Migrants face abuse from resentful locals, who call them ‘Okies’. California may not be all it lives up to be. The mutual understanding between Casy and Sairy underscores the unity Casy believes in.
Chapter 20
Tom meets Floyd Knowles who tells him large farms operate by widely distributing handbills and police are corrupt and unsympathetic. Floyd tells Tom and Al he has heard of work in Santa Clara Valley. A contractor drives past offering work but doesn’t give a firm price. The contractor orders police to arrest Floyd, Floyd attacks a deputy. The deputy tries to shoot Floyd but hits a woman instead. Casy takes the blame for the crime and is taken. Connie has left the family. As the Joads drive to a town they are told to turn around.
Chapter 20 - Analysis
Tom’s powerlessness before the hostile mob reduces the usually strong and silent man to tears. This is one of the most profound displays of emotion in the novel, illustrating the debilitating frustration that baseless oppression causes
