grapes of wrath

Ma Joad

Emotional leader of the Joad family.

Tom Joad

Character who develops the strongest social awareness.

Jim Casy

Former preacher who believes all people share 'one big soul.'

Uncle John

Character that constantly feels guilty over his wife’s death.

Council lead character

Tom Joad's emotional journey from self-focused to socially aware.

Oklahoma

Starting point of the Joad family's journey.

California

Destination where the Joad family migrates.

Route 66

Also known as 'The Mother Road' that symbolizes hope and migration.

Hoovervilles

Poor migrant camps with terrible living conditions.

Weedpatch Camp

A government camp that is organized and run democratically by migrants.

The Turtle Symbol

Represents persistence and survival.

The Dust Symbol

Symbolizes destruction and hopelessness.

The Flood Symbol

Represents destruction and potential renewal.

The Grapes of Wrath

Symbolizes the growing anger among oppressed workers.

Casy's Last Words

Similar to Jesus’ words during crucifixion, indicating his sacrifice.

Tom's Final Arc

He wants to help oppressed people everywhere after being influenced by Casy.

Rose of Sharon

Her character transitions from selfishness to selflessness and nurturing.

Grampa Joad's Death

His death occurs first during the family's journey.

Granma Joad's Death

She dies crossing the desert.

Sairy Wilson

Part of the traveling family who becomes too sick to continue west.

Casy's Death

Occurs during a labor conflict, impacting Tom deeply.

Labor Handbills

Fake advertisements that create false hope for migrants.

Wages in California

Kept low due to competition among too many workers.

The final scene with Rose of Sharon

She breastfeeds a starving man in a barn.

Character Contrast

Comparison of Ma Joad's increasing strength to Pa Joad's fading authority.

True/False - 'The Joads own their farm'

FALSE (The Joads are tenant farmers).

Theme of Community

People survive better together than alone.

Theme of Exploitation

Growers use poverty to control workers.

Theme of Hope

Compassion still exists even after terrible suffering.

Grampa Joad

The first family member who dies in the novel.

Ruthie Joad

The child who accidentally exposes Tom’s secret.

Jim Casy's Beliefs

He no longer believes in traditional preaching, sees holiness in people.

The Ending Tone

Ending on survival, compassion, and human unity despite suffering.