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?
I think the Joads will continue, but of course they will doubt the trip even more. They may have to see it to believe it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think they will continue, but they will have more trouble along the way.
DeleteThe Joads are definitely going to continue and I feel like their pride and dignity is what keeps them going.
DeleteIf I was in a situation like that, I would probably tell myself to stay strong to my goal and don't let other people tell me otherwise. I would probably doubt myself if this is the right way, but I will continue to move forward and keep my head up.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Zion and Amanda that the Joads will still continue on their journey for looking for jobs in the west, although there may be some trouble ahead of them. I believe that the Joads will stay strong and accomplish their goals.
I agree with this idea. This warning sign was clearly put there to foreshadow the upcoming difficulties that the Joads would face. If I was in that situation, I think I would keep going just to see if the warning was true. Then, if it was, I would probably go somewhere for the safety of the family. Good point.
ReplyDeletePersonally, if I were in this situation, after having more than 2 warning signs, I would have a change in plans. I would not travel to California, but I would not return home. I know that home would not have any job opportunities, but I would also figure that California would not either. I would travel to neighboring states, and try to make a living there, if things didn't work out then I would try to make a living in California.
ReplyDeleteThe Joads, however, were in denial and did not let anyone stand in their way. They should have given the advice a second thought, but they didn't, and now there is no going back.