Grapes of Wrath 16-19

What news did the ragged man give Pa?

• The man told Pa that the border patrol was charging such a high fee to get into California that most of the travelers couldn't afford it

• He told Pa that there were better opportunities in the northern part of the state and in Oregon.

• He told Pa that the wages are so low that many workers couldn't afford to feed their families, and they were starving.

• He told Pa that the government relief fund was providing food and shelter for everyone who came into California.

What did Pa and Tom learn from the men in the river?

• They learned that the Californians did not like the migrants and that work was scarce.

• California had reached its quota of emigrants and was not accepting any new residents.

• There was a drought that had destroyed most of the crops.

• New arrivals were being quarantined because of an outbreak of smallpox

Who left the family to stay near the water?

• It was Al.

• It was Connie and Rose of Sharon.

• It was Casey.

• It was Noah.

Why didn't the Wilsons cross the desert with the Joads?

• They met friends and decided to stay where they were.

• Mrs Wilson was very ill and could not travel any more.

• Mr. Wilson got scared to cross the desert and refused to go on.

• Mr. Wilson got a job in Arizona and didn't need to go on to find work.

Why was Ma so feisty at the agricultural inspection station?

• She was afraid the inspectors would have a list of wanted criminals and would discover Tom.

• She had hidden some plant cuttings and fresh vegetables and didn't want the inspectors to find them.

• She didn't want the inspectors to find out that Grandma was dead. She thought they would be detained on the east side of the desert.

• She was delirious from some bad water she had drunk and didn't realize what she was saying.

How did Casey help Tom out of trouble with the deputy sheriff?

• He kicked the deputy so Tom could get away, and then he took the blame for his and Tom's actions.

• He talked the sheriff out of making an arrest by praying with him

• He put up bail money for Tom.

• He organized the others to provide a distraction, and then helped Tom find a hiding place.

Why does Ma revolt?

• She wants to be in charge of the money, but Pa won't tell her where he has it hidden.

• She believes the family should stay together and refuses to allow them to split up.

• She doesn't want to go all the way to California.

• Pa wants to have more children to help them with the work in the years to come. Ma doesn't want to have any more children.

What is Al's attitude problem?

• He is jealous of Connie because he is married

• He has a sense of superiority and doesn't think he belongs with the rest of the migrants.

• He is defensive and complaining and doesn't want to take on any responsibility. He frequently tries to win Tom's approval.

• He resents moving, and thinks Pa is a coward for not standing up to the bank.