In chapter 8, Tom and Jim Casy finally reach Uncle John's house. Before they arrived to John's house Tom was telling Jim Casy John's story. His story was that once he was married to a young women but she passed away. Tom said he was a lonely man and that after her death he kept to himself. John blamed himself for her death because when his wife was complaining about the pain from her stomachache, he just told her that she ate too much and to take some painkillers. Surely she died the next day around four. John had changed and learned from her death. "Made a damn nuisance of himself. Ever'time one of us kids got worms or a gutache Uncle John brings a doctor out"
(Steinbeck, 1939, p. 69). This quote shows that John became too cautious and protective because he didn't want the same thing to happen again to one of the kids. Tom was telling Jim that John was getting meaner every year but he was still a good man. Tom said that John would give away a lot of his things but he was still unhappy.
When they arrived to the house, the first person Tom saw was his dad fixing the truck for the trip to California. He went up to his dad but his dad didn't notice it was him. A short while later Tom's dad turned to him and realized it was his son. After seeing his dad they went to see his mother who was cooking inside. They had come up with a plan to surprise her, it was to act as if Tom and Jim Casy were strangers who were walking on the road and were wondering if they could have something to eat. After his mother realized it was him they did what anyone would do when seeing someone after four years. Tom's dad went into the barn to tell Tom's grandparents and Noah that Tom was back. His grandpa was the third to greet him, then his grandma, and lastly his brother Noah. At the end of the chapter his oldest brother came back from "squirtin' aroun'". Al and Tomm were the last ones in this chapter to come together.
Good analysis Roxana and I agree with you about Uncle John's change of character after his wife's death. He's a touched man even though he's a bit cranky.
ReplyDeleteYeah I totally agree with you Reyna
DeleteYeah Roxana, I agree that Uncle John was very wouqnded after his wifes death. He is a good man, but is pulled down by his past mistakes.
ReplyDeleteI agree, when I was first reading about Uncle John that was what I noticed about him.
DeleteI think the characters were characterized well. The dad is very invested in his work, so much so that he didn't realize his son was home after four years of being in Prison. Ma' is very kind, and giving. Even before she saw the two "strangers," she invited them in to sit and eat.
ReplyDeleteThirdly, we have Grampa. A very stubborn, and Prideful old man. He's proud of being a troublemaker when he was younger, because he says the following as they discuss Al's tendencies of being a smart aleck: "I was worse,' he said happily. "I was much worse," (Steinbeck, 55, 1939).
We also have Granma was just as strongwilled as Grampa, except she was more religious. For example, even though Casy wasn't a preacher anymore, she urged him to say grace. Her beliefs were so strongly ingrained, she doesn't even think about what she says, she just blindly follows. "So many years she had timed her responses to the pauses. And it was so many years since she had listened to or wondered at the words used," (Steinbeck, p. 54, 1939).
Then, we have Noah. Though he is reserved, he does care about those around him. He's just not the type to voice his opinions. He says things in as little words as possible. "Tom said, 'How ya , Noah?' 'Fine,' Noah said. 'How a' you?' That was all, but it was a comfortable thing," (Steinbeck, p. 53, 1939). This shows that Noah cares, but is reserved, and only says what needs to be said.
Lastly, we have Al. Al really cares for his older brother Tom. He looks up to him, and wishes to be like him. He carried himself with much swagger before seeing Tom, because that was the image of Tom he had created for himself, but once he sees the real tom, the following happens: "Instantly Al changed. Unconsciously he became like his brother, and his handsome face brooded, and his shoulders relaxed. He hadn't remembered how Tom was," (Steinbeck, p. 57, 1939).
So, even though most characters weren't present for a lot, Steinbeck did a very good job of showing us their personality, and making them come to life.
I completely agree, Steinbeck gave details that helped me visualize all of the characters.
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DeleteYeah I agree, Steinbeck was able to show us the major attributes of each character. Old man Tom is very hardworking. Grandpa is very talkative and stubborn. Grandma is very religious. Noah is very reserved and has an odd personality. Al seems to be motivated by his love for engines and his hormones. He also respects his brother Tom. Overall, Ma is the glue that holds the whole family together. She is also kind hearted and cares deeply for everyone.
DeleteI agree. Steinbeck did a great job characterizing each character. Good analysis.
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