The Grapes of Wrath Character's Inspiration?

I found an article that links characters from the novel to characters from the Bible. Rose of Sharon is from the Bible, but this article uses all the characters. For those who check it out, do you think the characters are really linked?

http://taliawaite.wordpress.com/2012/11/29/did-you-know-a-look-at-biblical-allusions/

Chapter 16: Warning Sign

Towards the end of the chapter, Pa Joad tells a man at the campsite all of the plans that he expects to achieve when he arrives to California. Another person described as a "ragged man" laughs at all that Pa is saying. Tom Joad (Pa) asks him what was so funny and the ragged man tells him that all of the rich and promising rumors about the West are false. The ragged man tells Tom that he had returned from California after realizing that there was no hope for higher wages, steady work as well as the death of his son and wife. Of course, this worries Pa but Casy assures him that there experience might be different for them.

It seems Steinbeck notably wrote the encounter between Pa Joad and the "ragged man" to foreshadow the uncertain and difficult times that were up ahead the Joad family. As a result, I believe that this is a huge warning sign for the Joads to pack their bags and call its quits or to reconsider what they are doing.

What would you guys do in this situation? Keep going or find a different alternative?

Chapter 15: Mae

       In this chapter, we are introduced to Mae, a waiter at a diner on Route 66. Even though Mae isn't one of the main characters of the story, I found her quite interesting. She seems to be nice, trying get by just like everyone else. Then a tattered man enters along with two children begging for a loaf of bread. Mae refuses to sell him the bread and the man tells her that he will give her ten cents. Mae claims the bread is worth 15 cents but Al (a co-worker) tells her to sell it to him for ten. He then asks for the price of the candies and Mae lies by saying that they are two for a penny (originally five cents each). What made her have a change of heart? Did she feel guilty after refusing to give him the bread? What do you guys think?

(Keep in mind that she has no idea why all of these families are going west).

Chapter 13: Grandparents

       Throughout chapter 13, Grandpa Joad was not feeling so good and we could tell by now that he wasn't going to make it any further on the journey to California. When he Pa passes away, they bury him with great honor; however, Grandma Joad is now all alone. My family has a saying that goes along the lines of, "Once an elderly spouse dies, the other spouse is bound to quickly follow after." As a result, I predict that Grandma Joad is going to pass away soon. What do/did you guys predict Grandma Joad's future to be?

Chapter 26

I'm upset that Casey dies in this chapter. I'm also afraid for Tom because I think he's going to do something that will get him sent back to Oklahoma. He just keeps getting himself into trouble like killing a man with a pick handle. The last thing the Joads family needs is for another family member to walk out and leave; they have to stick together.

Chapter 8

"She seemed to know, to accept, to welcome her position, the citadel of the family, the strong place that could not be taken. And since old Tom

and the children could not know hurt or

fear unless she acknowledged hurt and fear,

she had practiced denying them in herself"

Ma Joad is not like the wives in the previous chapters. She is a rock for the family; a foundation. 

Chapter 25

After reading Chapter 25, I was kind of annoyed at the fact that the landowners went through so much work and effort just to accomplish their goal of starving people to death. For starters, it seemed cruel that the large landowners would purposely drive the price of labor down so that the small farmers wouldn't be able to afford to harvest their land and end up losing it. Then, they would let a mass number of food go to waste as the hungry people watched the food decompose on the dirt floor. Crops would be burned and pigs would be killed and thrown into a pit that would be soon covered up with dirt. Also, they would throw perfectly fine potatoes into the river and have policemen prohibit the migrants from getting any from the water. Finally, they sprayed kerosene on hundreds of oranges, knowing that the migrants wouldn't eat them. The only purpose why: just to let innocent and poor people go hungry another day until soon enough they die of hunger or disease. In their minds, they are "making the state a better place." The landowners truly sounded like monsters which can also be compared to the banks in the country states. This quote from the book summarizes everything, "In the souls of the people, the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." 

Chapter 5

“But—you see, a bank or a company can't

do that, because those creatures don't

breathe air, don't eat side-meat. They breathe

profits; they eat the interest on money. If

they don't get it, they die the way you die with

out air, without side-meat. It is a sad thing, but it is so. It is just so”

The tenants call the bank a monster and the men working for the bank agree, such as the tractor driver; yet, isn't the tractor driver a part of the "monster?" Aren't all those who make up the bank the monsters?

Ending- Reflection

The end of the book had me very tense, I enjoyed every emotion that it gave me. However, i'd rather reflect on how the book changed me in general. I am never looking at a toilet the same way in my life. I feel spoiled rotten knowing I have running water; warm water at that. And I also feel very grateful to be able to eat everyday, and not have to worry about where i'm going to sleep. I now see every little detail in my life that has been greatly unnoticed, and am much more appreciative of my life, all thanks to this amazing story!

Chapter 4

Isn't it ironic that Jim Casey sings,
"Yes, sir, that's my Saviour,
Jesus is my Saviour,
Jesus is my Saviour now.
On the level
'S not the devil
Jesus is my Saviour now."

He says he is no longer a preacher and doesn't believe in God/Jesus.


Why do you guys think Jim is still singing songs of praise?

chapter 20 and 21

Where any of your predictions on the climax correct?

THE TURTLE!

Earlier in the book, John Steinbeck dedicates chapter 3 to a turtle. So much details about some turtle, I thought it might symbolize something, so I kept it in mind. Later on in the book, I think I have made a good guess to what this little guy represents! He represents the Joad Family. Think about it, the turtle is described as a brave, unstoppable animal in chapter 3 and 6. That's everything the Joad family is during their road trip from Oklahoma to California. Plus in chapter 6, it mentions which direction the turtle started to walk away in, southwest. Just like the turtle, the Joad family also travels west to California.

Do you guys think the turtle symbolizes anything?

Chapter 8: Granma Joad

Chapter 8 is hands down one of my favorite chapters in Grapes of Wrath! I read this chapter aloud in a southern accent the whole time and it definitely made it more enjoyable than reading it how I normally would. I recommend giving it a try. The main reason why I like this chapter was purely because Grandma Joad! I loved how John Steinbeck introduces her character. I'm especially amused by her and her husband's relationship. She's a loyal Christian who's married to someone who really isn't so loyal. The way she called Grandpa Joad out when  he said Casy was his favorite preacher, she told him, and I quote "shut up, you sinful ol' goat." I lost it, she's hilarious! My favorite chapter and character! Did you guys find any parts in the book to be funny?

Chapter 18

In this chapter, Ma Joad threatened a local authority with a skillet for being disrespectful. I admire the way she stood up for herself and wouldn't let him speak to her that way. If any of you were in that situation, what would you do? Would you do the same thing as Ma Joad did?

Chapter 5: Individual vs Society or Man vs Man?

I'm curious to what you guys think about the conflict between the landowners and the banks were in chapter 5. In my opinion, I think it's individual vs society. I see the landowners as the individuals and the banks as a society. I know since the bank is made up men, you'd think of it as man vs man, but not quite. A society can be an organization formed for a particular purpose (I looked it up). The landowners are the individuals here because even though they're all facing the same problem, each family is only worrying about themselves. As for why I see the bank as a society well they're working together like a community.

Chapter 6

Let me just start out by saying Muley Graves, in my opinion, is a favorable character, has some guts staying in a "Ghost Town" & sleeping in a cave every night for safety . Although he had let his family relocate to a new home without him, he is fighting to stay in a place he considers home. He also explains the eventful memories that happened within his home (his Pa's death or Joe's birth). I don't know about you guys, but Muley is one of my favorites now. +4 points for you Muley Graves, you go Muley Graves!

Chapter 18- Ma Joad again

Ma Joad continues to fascinate me. I'm this chapter she threatens an armed police officer with a cooking pan, which was very daring on her part, but she does it out if dignity because he offended her and she simply reacted. Another admirable moment was how she knowingly slept with grandma; which was no longer breathing. She shows how strong she is, and what she's willing to do for the family. According to her, there was no reason for them to worry about grandma until it was necessary.

Chapter 30

I honestly really liked the ending of the book. It came to show that the Joads have always been great, selfless people. Also, they never once lost hope. The novel has a huge lesson to teach which is to never give up. Also, that if you want something really bad you will achieve it.

Chapter 25

Did you guys feel that this chapter was similar to the first one ? I felt like it was in a way but not too much.

slang

what are 'my dogs'. Tom talks about them a lot. For example, "my dogs are tired".

Tom, escaped??

Why does the family all ask Tom is he escaped? Why do they not believe him ?

Chapter 3

does the turtle at the beginning of the book have any meaning?

Chapter 13

In chapter 13, it was a sad chapter because there were two deaths in the Joad family.  The family's dog had been run over by a car and the person just drove by. Also, Grampa died of a stroke and the sad thing was he sad he was going to do all of these things. For example, we getting to California he was going to grab  as many grapes as he wants and eat them. He  also said that he wanted to stay in Oklahoma with Muley Graves. I think that he was just going to be homesick if he had made it California.

Chapter 8- Ma Joad

I had to go back and write about this chapter because I absolutely love how Ma Joad was introduced. I admire the way she accepted a man to join her family at the dinner table, with not a single hesitation, or judgment. All she needed to know is that a man was hungry, and asking for food. I especially like how her physical character was described. Bare feet and all, I fell in love with how she leads her family, and knows that if she shows any sign of distress her family is directly affected. Ma Joad is the most admirable character so far... in my opinion ;)

Chapter 16: Foreshadow

In Chapter 16, the Joad’s stay at a camp. They meet a man who is travelling back east. He tries to tell the Joad’s that there are no jobs in California.

“‘I tried to tell you folks,’ he said. ‘Somepin it took me a year to find out. Took two kids dead, took my wife dead to show me. But I can't tell you. I should of knew that. Nobody couldn't tell me, neither…’” 

I think this is important because a stranger shared his insight and his personal struggle, yet they dismissed it as false. They pay no attention, and continue to go along on their journey to California.

I feel as if we can all relate to this in one form or another. We have all been told by someone to not do something or to make a certain decision, but we do not listen, and we have to face the consequences in the end. I predict that it will be difficult for the Joad’s to find work once they get to California. I think they should have given some thought to what the man said.

Chapter 13: Control

In Chapter 13, we are introduced to the Wilson's; they bring a hopeful tone into the novel. The entrance of this family into the lives of the Joad's reminded me of a certain quote. "Fate controls who walks in to your life, but you decide who you let walk out, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go". I found that this quotation directly related as to why the Joad's asked if they could stay with the Wilson's.

Chapter 30 - The End

Even though this book brought many emotions into me, like sadness and hope, it was an amazing book. I was surprised that although the family had gone through so much, from losing family to starving, they still hope for the best. They helped the old man who was starving when they could have just given them a cold shoulder. They still believed that things would turn for the best and that gives them a chance to turn things for the better which I believe they will.

Chapter 28

What do believe will happen to Tom since he is going away now without his family ? I think the Joad's may  see Tom again but when they see him he would be in entire different person. Do you believe that Rose of Sharon is getting "sick" because she's about to give birth to her baby ? Since how things are turning out in the last part of the chapter do you think things are turning for the better or for the worst ?

Chapter 27

I don't understand how the cotton field owners would want the workers to buy there own sacks to put cotton in. Well, it does benefit the owner since he is getting money for these sacks. Also since the workers do get paid good wages the owners would have less workers to pay, since most of the workers can't afford their own bags.

Chapter 9

While I was reading chapter 9, I was sort of astonished at how these farmers had to leave everything and I mean everything valuable to them behind. Photos, books, jewelry, family possessions, etc all had to be left behind either sold or burned. If I was in that situation, I don't know if I would be able to leave all my memories behind and burn them to ashes like they never existed in my life. Leaving the place you've always called "home" must of been really depressing to go through for the farmers in my opinion. It just isn't fair for people to go through those harsh situations to survive. 

Chapter 26

How do you feel about Ma's decision to leave the camp even though they felt so at home there? Do you think that Casey did the right thing buy starting a riot, due to the scam on their wages? Do you think that once the riots stop, the landowners will drop the workers wages as well as they did with Casey and his co-workers?How did you feel about the group of men killing Casey for simply speaking his mind on how corrupt the men were to them? Did Tom do the right thing by defending his friend even if it meant putting his freedom at stake?Could this event affect Tom in their new living location?

Chapter 24

How do you feel about the entertainment committee working together as a whole to help keep everyone safe and to prevent their camp from being shut down? How do you feel about the two migrants turning on their own people to start a fight and bring in the authorities to shut down the camp? Did you think it was fair for the committee to just let the two migrants go without there being any punishment?

Chapter 25

Farmers with small farms can't make enough profit so they can't afford giving their food away. Although, all of the food can't all be gathered on time they have to destroy it. Many of the people in California are starving to death and they have to watch the beautiful food rot before their eyes. How is this fair ? It's not.

Chapter 5

Throughout the chapter, Steinbeck informs the readers about what is going on with the farmers. I have a lot of sympathy towards the farmers and their unfortunate situation. Imagine you and your family being in that position. Do any of you have sympathy for their situation or have ever experienced something similar to this? Also, is "the bank" really to blame for this?

Chapter 20

Why do you think Connie left Rose of Sharon and their unborn child so easily ? In the past chapters the couple seem to be in a lovely relationship. Connie seemed like a good husband and a great future parent thinking about the future of their child. What might have happened in Connie's head that made him not want to pursue all his planned ideas ? Do you think that maybe the reality of what's really happening is changing all of them for the worst ?

Chapter 6

Do you guys think that the turtle was symbolic for something in this chapter? As I read it, I noticed that this turtle was reintroduced from chapter 3. The turtle was dead set on going in a specific direction (Southwest) and it faced many problems, like the road, on it's way. So, I thought that it was representing the determined ways of the farmers and their families who persevere even after being kicked off their farms and accept the challenges. Also, since the turtle is heading southwest when released in this chapter, to me, it resembles the farmers who will be making their journeys to the West state of California.

Chapter 16

How do you guys feel about Rose of Sharon's decision to move away from her family and start a new life in California with Connie? Do you guys think that Ma is taking the leading role of the family, opposing to the period of time where the male had the leading authority?

Chapter 13

  Do you guys think Rose of Sharon witnessing such a tragic event, like watching the dog's death, might have an outcome on her pregnancy by feeling sorrow for the animal? Do you guys think that the tragedy with grandpa might lead to a strong interaction between the Wilson's and the Joad's since they were both there for each other when they needed it the most?

Chapter 9 - Is a new beginning possible ?

A passage in this chapter made me think about our lives. Everyone says that we CAN start over with our lives and change it, but is it even possible ? In a way our past experiences affect us in one way or another how can we possible forget that ? How would we know what to do when we are trying to not to judge our present decisions with our past knowledge ? Wouldn't it always be in our minds helping us with our new choices ?

Chapter 7

Its pretty hard to believe how these salesmen take advantage of the farmers that are trying to have better lives. They go to these places hoping to buy a used but good car to move on, but they are being cheated. Despite the fact that they know that they are being taken advantage of they have no choice but to accept these offers.