Viewing Guide: Grapes of Wrath
What is the symbolism in the opening/establishing scene?
Does learning that Tom Joad (Henry Fonda) committed “homicide” make his
character less sympathetic?
Casy (the former preacher) tells Tom Joad at the beginning of the film that he is
no longer a preacher because he has “lost the call,” and “lost the spirit.” What
does he mean by this?
What does religion symbolize for the characters in the film?
Why do the Joads and their neighbors have to leave their land?
What does the land symbolize for the people who live on it?
illustrated throughout the film?
How is this
What kinds of things happen in the nighttime during the course of this film?
There are several songs in this film, and many instances of music being played.
What function does music serve for the characters in this film?
The Joads hear some unpleasant news (almost in the form of a prophecy) about
employment prospects in California when they are on the road. How do they
react to this information?
There is a scene in the diner where the Joads are able to purchase a loaf of
bread and some candy for probably much less than the items were worth. Is this
typical of the treatment the Joads receive during the film? What is the
importance of this incident?
“Them Okies got no sense or feeling. They ain’t human.” These are some of the
comments made about refugees from Oklahoma in general, and the Joads in
particular, by the gas station attendants in California as the Joads fuel up for
their trip across the Mojave desert. What do we learn about social attitudes from
this dialogue?
What are the first images we are confronted with when the Joads enter their first
migrant camp outside of Barstow?
How are the migrant workers treated by their employers throughout this film?
How are the migrant workers treated by the police throughout this film?
Upon leaving the migrant camp at night, the Joads are confronted with men
carrying lanterns and sticks. They are told: “Turn right around and head north
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and don’t come back until the cotton is ready.” What imagery is this meant to
evoke?
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What is the trouble at the Keene Ranch in Pixley?
We are given several hints, all of which provide some evidence of the type
of environment the Joads will face at the Keene Ranch.
For example, as they drive in, they are called “scabs.” There is the
presence of a ranch store. There is an armed presence at the ranch.
These all mean something. Pay attention to these items, as they reveal
something about working conditions, and the nature of the conflict.
The Joads find themselves at a U.S. Department of Agriculture Camp. In many
ways, this camp is quite different from the migrant camps they have experienced
elsewhere. What does the USDA camp symbolize?
Even in the setting of a USDA camp, there is tension between the police and the
migrant workers. Who or what does “the law” protect in this film?
Is Tom Joad a communist? Obviously, he has not joined any organization, so
technically, the answer is no. However, some of the townspeople are worried
about “reds.” Is this a valid concern?
What is the Joad family’s dream in this film (that is, what are they ultimately
pursuing)? Is the dream a constant, or does it evolve throughout the course of
the film?
What does Tom Joad tell his mother when she asks him how she’ll know what
happens to him (that is, whether he’s hurt or killed after he leaves them)?
What does Ma Joad mean in her closing speech, when she explains to her
husband, “We’re the people that live.... We’ll go on forever, Pa, ‘cause we’re the
people”?
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