Discussion questions (and answers) for Grapes of Wrath

Here's what we talked about in our intimate discussion circle:

1. Why does the first chapter deal with the effect of natural disasters on the country folk?
-They are usually the ones most affected by the disasters. Rich or city people usually are able to get help easier when disaster strikes.
-We could definitely see the parallel between Grapes of Wrath and Cry, the Beloved Country. The interchapters and the very elaborate description of the land. Paton, after all, did adapt his writing style from Steinbeck's.

2. What is the significance of the title?
-It's the fruit of anger
-We looked up the words to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" because that's where that phrase came from.
-Religious reference to God's anger?
-Josh wondered if angry grapes make angry wine

3. What is the significance of the slot machine?
-That the truck driver had just missed the jack pot
-Symbolizes people in general just missing out on a win
-Life is a game of chance

4. What is the role of the truck driver?
-He's judgmental
-Introduces us to the character of Joad

5. What is the significance of the turtle?
-TURTLE! (Torii just likes to say it)
-Longevity
-He's just slowly and steadily making his way, and just keeps trying
-Turtle represents the country and the ants represent the dust, getting in and irritating
-Joad wanted to give him as a present

6. Why does Tom break the cap to make it look older?
-So that he doesn't stick out quite so much as one who had just been released from prison
-Trying to blend in

7. What is the significance of Casy's song?
-He's a religious person (at first glance)
-We find out that even though he's not really a preacher, he still has some religious values
-He ends up contradicting himself on his morals (taking girls in the grass)

8. What is implied by Tom's remark that he should have been a preacher himself?
-Basically so he could have sex after preaching, like Casy would do

9. What is Casy's new moral code?
-Spirituality is loving people (not in a sexual way), but just loving everyone
-Telling them what they want to hear so they feel happy
-We are all part of the same spirit

10. How does the recollection of the Christmas card reinforce this feeling?
-The card's appearance was worth more than what was inside--kind of like religion
-Joad's grandma didn't really take the time to look closer at it, she just took it for face value

11. Compare Pa and Uncle John
-Pa is very practical, but competitive
-Uncle John is very irrational and wants everything right then