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.