post 4 of 10 (ch. 10-12) - Griselda

Griselda Casillas
Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck

Read and Post by Oct. 28

Hey Julianna,

On chapter 10, I noticed that Tom and his mom were having an intense discussion of how California would probably change their lives. Tom’s mom portrayed anxiousness and was also worried because she doesn’t know if they will be able to find and get a job in California.  She says, “Tom, I hope things is all right in California” (90). But, she mentions that the citizens of California had advertised available jobs on a handbill. So that makes her not worry so much. Tom’s grandpa is an easy going guy who only thinks of the positive in a harsh situation. He says, “Know what I’m a-gonna do? I’m gonna pick me a wash tub full a grapes, an’ I’m gonna set in’em, an’ scrooge aroun’, an’ let the juice run down my pants” (93). Tom’s dad was smart and didn’t waste no time. He decided that they would sell some of their belongings to get a little bit of money for a fresh start in California. But, it’s very sad when Tom’s dad returned restless and angry because he only got eighteen dollars. I was glad to see that Rosasharn was happy along with her husband, Connie, when they saw Tom. “ The two shook hands, sizing each other up, looking deeply into each other; and in a moment each was satisfied, …” (99).It seemed like Tom’s family were looking forward to their trip and headed off to a long journey.

Chapter 11 seemed to have a theme of despair and men lacking energy because Steinbeck described how the men lacked energy because they only went to support their family. But, how they didn’t like to farm because there was happiness in what they did. They talk about how their job doesn’t fulfill them, so they moved out (116-117). Another theme was hunger and thirst for destruction by the animals, who destroy the long abandoned farmhouses.

Chapter 12 was about the author explaining more of the hardships of tenant people. I hate it when the salesman try to cheat their own people into buying used old cars that don’t even work. But I agree with them because they have to be greedy and selfish to get money to survive. I can see that the difficulty of surviving for Tom’s family is bringing their family together because there isn’t a division between sexes. They are trying to make everyone have an equal share in society. I am wondering if they will make some friends and get a job somewhere. What do you think? I am also wondering if they will adapt quickly to the selfish and greedy environment that they are in. Do you think they will or not? This related to real life situations because when families move to a different state/country, they struggle at first. They have to cope with the hardships, but they later progress. Do you think this will happen to them?