The Grapes of Wrath
Chapter 21 – No questions
Chapter 22 Weedpatch
1. Identify three instances in which Steinbeck seems to be promoting the benefits of people sharing with
one another, working together, for the good of all. Cite the passage with page number. Explain, in
italics, the common benefit that seems to come from the joint effort. Identify any possible sacrifice that
comes from the joint effort.
Example: A watchman at the government camp tells Tom that the camp members elect their own cops
and central committee to set and enforce the rules. If the camp members don’t like the decisions or
behavior, they can vote the people out of office. Steinbeck seems to be making the point that it’s right
for people to govern themselves. Tom is enthusiastic about the idea, wondering aloud why there aren’t
more places like that and adding that Ma will like it because she hasn’t been treated decently in a while.
It also comes as a contrast to the way they were pushed around in the Hooverville.
2. How do you think Steinbeck wants readers to feel about Mr. Thomas, the small farm owner whom Tom
works for? Why?
3. How do you think Steinbeck wants you to feel about Jim Rowley, the camp manager? Cite at least two
passages and explain, in italics, what kind of impression you think is intended.
Example: Rowley is described as “dressed all in white”. Steinbeck, perhaps, wants to suggest that
Rowley is one of the good guys since white is frequently associated with purity and goodness. He might
also want to suggest that Rowley is an unrealistic idealist since white would not be a practical color to
wear in a dirty camp for farm laborers (Editor’s note: You do realize this last speculation is a joke.
Right?).
Chapter 23 Camp pleasures: Scene 1 storytelling; Scene 2 Movies; Scene 3 Drink ; Scene 4 music and dance; Scene 5
religion
1. Choose one of the five scenes. Explain what you think might be Steinbeck’s main point or impression or purpose
he might be trying to convey in the scene. Identify the literary elements that Steinbeck’s using and speculate
about its effect. Cite page numbers.
Chapter 24 Weedpatch: The dance (Part II))
1. There are a number of nearly direct political addresses in this chapter. Identify a specific political message you
believe Steinbeck tries to convey, and discuss whether you believe this message is still pertinent in our society
today. A paragraph of 5-7 sentences should be sufficient.