This chapter's introduction of Uncle John reveals him to be a person who prefers isolation, but is quick to make sure others are well off. His paranoia for others is surely attributed to the passing of his wife and the circumstance of her passing. I feel that it will be interesting to witness Uncle John's transition from a life of isolation to a life which will force him to interact with others. The result of this change will undoubtedly put him in a position where the well-being of the others will be directly affected by the choices he makes. Will his paranoia constantly cause havoc within his subconscious, or will he overcome it and become a new person?
Uncle John has overcome his paranoia as we have seen throughout the following chapters towards a dependent and spiritual life causing his rigid journey to California and a new life to become much easier socially and economically.
ReplyDeleteEvery interesting question. Uncle John does interact a bit more with other than what he had planed, which in a way does show that he overcomes his problem.
ReplyDeleteReally like this post, sounds like something from Sparknotes; In a good way. Furthermore, I think your point about Uncle John's inner battle is what makes John such an intersting character. Similar to both Tom jr., and Casey. These three characters self conflict contribute greatly to drivng the plot, and it's really their choices that define the fate of the entire family.
ReplyDeleteThrough out the novel, Uncle John is hardly mentioned and sometimes I even forget he's there. I could understand why most people would thick that he might change and completely become another person, but by the ned of the novel, it is apparent he has changed a little. He does not drink as much due to not having enough money, but he lives every second of his life thinking about his sins and thinking that everything was his fault. I just don't understand why Pa Joad doesn't talk to his brother (John) about it. Why don't they want to hear his sins if it means that Uncle John would feel better?
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