Grapes of Wrath
Novel Questions
Chapters 1-6
1. What is the significance of the setting in the opening chapters?
It describes how bad of a time it was, and how crops were dead because of the drought. It describes all the
dust in the air and on the ground from the crop from the drought.
2. 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?
The turtle is kind of like the Joads in the novel and the hard life they had and the struggles they faced.
3. We meet Jim Casey in Chapter 4; give details about his past.
Jim Casey is a preacher at the beginning of the novel. However, he lost his faith in his beliefs when he started
having problems with his feelings and wants. He changes his beliefs after he starts thinking of sinfulness
and holiness. Jim decides that the only thing that is important is LOVE and he believes everyone is
connected by his or her soul.
Chapters 7-11
1. Explain the significance of chapter seven. Why did Steinbeck include the "car
talk" segment?
Steinbeck included the car talk part to explain how the seller of the car ran everything. He exploited the
Joads when they needed a car for the California trip they were taking.
2. 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?
Pa is the leader of the family, the one who provides for Ma and the kids. He is highly respected. Before the
drought got so bad Pa was strong and nothing could break him, but Steinbeck shows Pa weaken during the
drought. Ma is the one who runs the family and keeps things going like they’re supposed to. She is the
loving one and has the most compassion for her children. She helped Tom and the other children with their
spirituality.
3. "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?
Grandpa means the grape is and example of life and hope
Chapters 12-26
1. Chapter 12 is another intercalary chapter. Give some specifics about shared
experiences of all the strangers traveling west.
People helped each other but many things happened, people blew out tires, and forgot water, like
the Joads, and not having enough money.
2. Explain why the death of Grampa in Chapter 13 is not tragic. Go beyond the
obvious about age and death.
Grampa’s death was sad, but it wasn’t tragic because after he dies the family decides to go with the
Wilson’s.
3. 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 shows how they are giving up one bit at a time.
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?
Steinbeck uses the word family as people living together. The community where they live together
rules itself but still follows the guidelines of a family.
2. "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 the conflicts already between Californian’s and Okie’s, it foreshadows the events in the
future.
3. Why is Tom so frightened when the "law" appears in the fields? What happened?
This “law” scared Tom because they’re were officials that enforced it, the owners were more
powerful and controlling, and people were less important, they would go hungry or be injured.
4. Chapter 20 is a significant one for selfless acts. Briefly describe two scenes in
which the characters put others before themselves.
Ma feeds starving people even though their family isn’t doing well either. Casey takes all the blame
when Tom helps him trip the officer, so Tom won’t get in trouble.
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 bought everything and under priced the farmers and ruin them.
2. 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.
It is not comfortable because the government owns the weedpatch camp, and the officials control
everything; they make rules, laws, and punishment.
3. 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?
The evenings of singing and dancing bring joy and entertainment, and bring the community
together. The dancing is more important than the music.
Chapters 25-26
1. The intercalary Chapter 25 has a discussion of taxes and who pays them. What is
the Okie’s argument?
They don’t want to waste food, they feel it should go to the hungry.
2. At the end of Chapter 25, Steinbeck refers to the grapes of wrath. Explain the
image he uses.
He describes the cycle of life and it something changes dramatically, then everything will change.
3. In Chapter 26, Jim Casey reappears. Describe how he takes on the burdens of the
pickers; what happens to him?
Jim Casey is killed by getting hit by the handle of a pick. But before that, he takes on the picker’s
burdens because he contributes to forming a strike because the pickers are supposed to get 5 cents
per box and only get half of that or 2.5 cents per box.
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?
This scene shows hope and survival, and it show the reuniting of the Joads.
2. How does this scene prove that Rose of Sharon has changed?
Rose gives a part of herself to a stranger, and sees a spiritual change.
3. 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.
In my chapter 31, I would develop Rose’s character more, and reunite her family and help them
grow and grow together.
4. "[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 Tom’s Spiritual Journey is finally done and he finally understands