post 5 of 10 (ch. 13-15) - Griselda

Griselda Casillas
Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck

Read and Post by Oct. 28

Hey Julianna, 

Chapter 13 was very depressing. I agree with you that it was terrible and sad for the Joad’s because their dog and Grandpa died. It was nice when the gas station attendant helped them bury their dog. Why do you think it is against the law to have a funeral and bury someone? I think it was very nice of the Wilson’s family, whom they met on the road, to go along with the Joad’s family on this very long and sad journey. I have never had anyone close to me die, but I am pretty sure my heart would be crushed if a family member died. I have a feeling that Ma doubts if they will have a better life in California than in Oklahoma because there seems to be the same kinds of problems they faced in Oklahoma. For example, poverty is the main thing.

Chapter 14 seems to be about a lot of people who are moving into California and are sleeping in ditches on the side of the road. I agree with you that there wasn’t many people living in California, but then people just started trickling in after they were kicked out of their own land. It seems like the western countries fear that the migrant farmers are going to become strong and plan a revolt. Do you think this might happen?

Chapter 15 seems to be about generosity and pity because Mae doesn’t want to sell the poor family a loaf of bread, but she soon realizes that they need more than she does. When she realizes this, she sells the two kids candy for a small amount of money. I think she learned her lesson and will be nicer and compassionate to the people who go into the coffee shop. I think it was nice of the two truckers who were witnesses to give Mae a bigger tip because they too realized that she had done the right thing. What do you think? Was it a good idea for the two truckers to give Mae a bigger tip?