What happens in The Grapes of Wrath?
Set during the Great Depression, the novel focuses on the Joads, a poor family of tenant farmers driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, economic hardship, agricultural industry changes, and bank foreclosures forcing tenant farmers out of work.
How is Tom Joad described physically?
As his appearance is portrayed in Steinbeck’s introduction of his protagonist: “He was not over thirty. His eyes were very dark brown His cheek bones were high and wide The space between thumb and forefinger and the hams ofhis hands were shiny with callus” (9).
What does growing heavy for the vintage mean?
In the novel, Steinbeck’s reference to the grapes of wrath growing heavy for the vintage refer to the continuing struggle the people are facing. As their struggles grow, their souls become heavy. Metaphorically, Steinbeck is providing readers with an image of a grape so full that it is about to burst.
Why does Jim Casy stop preaching?
The Grapes of Wrath A traveling preacher, Jim Casy was “lousy with the spirit” but troubled by the sinful sensuality that seemed to result from being “all full up of Jesus.” He leaves preaching and wanders in the wild country, trying to come to terms with his own ideas about God, holiness, and sin.
Why does Tom Joad appear surly?
Why does Tom Joad appear to be surly? He feels the truck driver is nosy. He seemed surprised that Tom Joad’s father has not been driven off the land because of the dust storms or showed off the land by the tractor and the banks.
What is Rose of Sharon’s attitude toward Tom and why?
Rose of Sharon becomes panicky because she’s not getting enough nutrition for the baby she’s carrying. As a result, she yells at Tom for killing the cop and says that his sin is going to ruin her pregnancy. Her attitude threatens to push Tom away from the family.
What is Tom Joad philosophy for dealing with the future?
The future, which seems illusory and out of reach, does not concern him. He adopts this philosophy toward living not because he is selfish but as a means of coping: he fears that by putting his life in a context larger than the present day, he will drive himself mad with anger and helplessness.
How does Grapes of Wrath relate to the Great Depression?
The Grapes of Wrath, the best-known novel by John Steinbeck, published in 1939. It evokes the harshness of the Great Depression and arouses sympathy for the struggles of migrant farmworkers. The book came to be regarded as an American classic.
How is life at the Hooper Ranch different?
At the Hooper Ranch, where the family picked peaches, life was very hard. Fruit had to be picked carefully to avoid bruising the fruit. Since the ranch was not near a town, food was purchased from the store on the property where prices were higher than normal.