My mom picked up The Old Man and the Sea for me last night, so I can get started on my second book. I was flipping through the book and made a couple of observations. One, the book has no chapters at all. I can already tell this book will be a "quick read" because of the bigger font and the fact that it has no chapters. I do find that a bit odd about the book though. Why would Hemingway write his book with no chapters? Is this book just the beginning of a long slew of stories? Or, is The Old Man and the Sea supposed to be part of a collection of short stories or fables like Aesop wrote? These are questions I thought of last night as I was flipping through the short novel.
Another thing I did like about the book's appearance is it has a pretty cover. I do judge a book by its cover, and because the cover is pretty, I am more inclined to read the book. (besides the fact that I kind of have to) But, when I had to read Wuthuring Heights last year, I was not looking forward to reading it. For one, it was extremely long and two, the cover was ugly. I ended up not enjoying that book, as it took forever to read and was exceptionally boring. I believe this book will be boring too, and not as exciting as Life of Pi. The Old Man and the Sea and Life of Pi both look similar, as do the synopsises on the back. I asked my dad what the point of The Old Man and the Sea was, as I read the back and found out the story is of a man trying to survive at sea. I think, who cares? But my dad said it will teach me some sort of lesson in the book. So, I think it will be difficult to get fourteen blog entries because of the fact there are no chapters. But, I will try and go by the key events that take place.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
What's With the Title?
I finished The Grapes of Wrath like I said, but there is one thing I do not get: the title. The title is one of the most important aspects to a book, and I do not believe the title pertained to the book at all. I think if Steinbeck had named the book "Cotton of Wrath" or "Peaches of Wrath," I would understand that more than "Grapes of Wrath."
Now, maybe I am just behind and do not know what California is known for. But in going along with the book, the Joads do not pick grapes nor do they work in a grape factory or anything like that. I can understand the wrath part, as there are many angry and upset people throughout the book. I just think the title needed to be a bit more appropriate and go along with the book. Because I finished the novel wondering why the heck Steinbeck titled the book "Grapes of Wrath" and why my book had a picture of a guy on the front. However, I believe the guy on the front to be either Tom or Pa. I just did not understand the title. Because like I said earlier, the title has no significance whatsoever. Maybe I am missing an extremely large icon of symbolism in the title. Because the grapes symbolize where the Joad family is traveling to (California) and the "Wrath" is the government and people getting angry. Okay, scratch that last thought, but it could be a possibility. Grapes, if put under enough pressure and processing, turn into wine. So maybe the title "Grapes of Wrath" means that if the people are put under too much stress and pressure, they will change. The Joads and the rest of the American citizens are put under a lot of pressure and America does change as a whole. So, that example seems more logical than the fact that California might be famous for their grapes. Which, now that I think about it, I do not think they are.
Basically, I just wish Steinbeck had made a more clear title than "The Grapes of Wrath."
Now, maybe I am just behind and do not know what California is known for. But in going along with the book, the Joads do not pick grapes nor do they work in a grape factory or anything like that. I can understand the wrath part, as there are many angry and upset people throughout the book. I just think the title needed to be a bit more appropriate and go along with the book. Because I finished the novel wondering why the heck Steinbeck titled the book "Grapes of Wrath" and why my book had a picture of a guy on the front. However, I believe the guy on the front to be either Tom or Pa. I just did not understand the title. Because like I said earlier, the title has no significance whatsoever. Maybe I am missing an extremely large icon of symbolism in the title. Because the grapes symbolize where the Joad family is traveling to (California) and the "Wrath" is the government and people getting angry. Okay, scratch that last thought, but it could be a possibility. Grapes, if put under enough pressure and processing, turn into wine. So maybe the title "Grapes of Wrath" means that if the people are put under too much stress and pressure, they will change. The Joads and the rest of the American citizens are put under a lot of pressure and America does change as a whole. So, that example seems more logical than the fact that California might be famous for their grapes. Which, now that I think about it, I do not think they are.
Basically, I just wish Steinbeck had made a more clear title than "The Grapes of Wrath."
Monday, June 28, 2010
Final Opinions on The Grapes of Wrath
I finally finished The Grapes of Wrath, and I must say I did enjoy it. The novel finally picked up near the end, and I was able to finish it quickly. However, the novel was exceptionally depressing and sad. The one thing I did not like was the ending. I found it just sort of came to an end and I was left thinking "that's it? What happens to the family now?" I assume they were all able to find work and "live happily ever after" so to speak. I was a bit surprised that Rose of Sharon baby was born stillborn. However, the baby could be symbolism to the novel, and symbolize evil. Because, when the Joad family was staying at a "good" camp, a woman came up to Rose of Sharon and asked if the baby had been conceived out of sin. Rose of Sharon got herself all worked up over what the woman had said just because Rose had done some sort of dance that was considered inappropriate.
I also found the end ironic. At the beginning of the story, the Joads have to leave because there is no rain and all their crops have dried up, which does not provide income. Then, at the end of the novel, it is constantly raining. It rains so much that it floods where the Joads are staying in California and they are forced to build a sand bag wall to stop the flooding. I just found that ironic. My favorite thing about the novel was the descriptions. Steinbeck made the book extremely easy to understand, and gave very clear descriptions. I could understand most of the novel just by the descriptions Steinbeck gave. Like I have said previously, I can really tell Steinbeck lived during the Dust Bowl migration. He really made the novel emotional, and made me realize just how lucky I am. So, this book definitely made me think and gave good insight to life in the 30's.
I must say the turtle was never mentioned again. I think maybe the turtle was symbolism for how weird and misplaced the Joads felt throughout the novel. Because, how often is a turtle seen in a dry, sandy place? Therefore, the turtle was just out of place, and probably symbolized the Joad family and how awkward they felt.
I also found the end ironic. At the beginning of the story, the Joads have to leave because there is no rain and all their crops have dried up, which does not provide income. Then, at the end of the novel, it is constantly raining. It rains so much that it floods where the Joads are staying in California and they are forced to build a sand bag wall to stop the flooding. I just found that ironic. My favorite thing about the novel was the descriptions. Steinbeck made the book extremely easy to understand, and gave very clear descriptions. I could understand most of the novel just by the descriptions Steinbeck gave. Like I have said previously, I can really tell Steinbeck lived during the Dust Bowl migration. He really made the novel emotional, and made me realize just how lucky I am. So, this book definitely made me think and gave good insight to life in the 30's.
I must say the turtle was never mentioned again. I think maybe the turtle was symbolism for how weird and misplaced the Joads felt throughout the novel. Because, how often is a turtle seen in a dry, sandy place? Therefore, the turtle was just out of place, and probably symbolized the Joad family and how awkward they felt.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The Death of Granma
Granma's death was not all that shocking to me. Ever since Grampa had passed on, I figured Granma would not last long without him; I was correct. I thought Granma was they type of person who needed her husband around to keep her sane. As soon as he passed on, she had no one left who understood her needs and wants like Grampa did, so she was suffering. In addition, she was old and was beginning to go insane as she was carrying on conversations with her dead husband like he was still around.
Once again, the Joad family showed almost no response to Granma's death. Ma had to sneak Granma's dead body in the truck past patrol guards. But no one but Ma knew Granma was dead until after the truck got past the guards. I also believe the members of the Joad family knew Granma did not have much life left in her by their reactions to her death. They were not in shock or disbelief when they heard Granma had passed on. They just said she needed a proper funeral, as that was what she would have wanted. Granma would also have wanted the Joad family to still eat and not go into mourning over her death.
A difference in Granma's death as compared to Grampa's was that the Joads took Granma's body to a coroner's office to determine the cause of death, and attempt to bury her properly. However, the Joads did not have enough money to bury Granma; they left her body at the coroner's office. The Joad family never got to bury Granma properly with a funeral and a gravestone because of their economic state. At least with Grampa, his body was buried even if it was done illegally; Grampa received the proper send off. I was sad that Granma passed on, but her death was sort of lost in the midst of everything that was happening. The Joad family had to once again move on, but they lingered on the fact that Granma was gone a bit longer than they had with Grampa. But at the same time, the Joads were still trying to get to California and Granma was one less person to worry about.
Once again, the Joad family showed almost no response to Granma's death. Ma had to sneak Granma's dead body in the truck past patrol guards. But no one but Ma knew Granma was dead until after the truck got past the guards. I also believe the members of the Joad family knew Granma did not have much life left in her by their reactions to her death. They were not in shock or disbelief when they heard Granma had passed on. They just said she needed a proper funeral, as that was what she would have wanted. Granma would also have wanted the Joad family to still eat and not go into mourning over her death.
A difference in Granma's death as compared to Grampa's was that the Joads took Granma's body to a coroner's office to determine the cause of death, and attempt to bury her properly. However, the Joads did not have enough money to bury Granma; they left her body at the coroner's office. The Joad family never got to bury Granma properly with a funeral and a gravestone because of their economic state. At least with Grampa, his body was buried even if it was done illegally; Grampa received the proper send off. I was sad that Granma passed on, but her death was sort of lost in the midst of everything that was happening. The Joad family had to once again move on, but they lingered on the fact that Granma was gone a bit longer than they had with Grampa. But at the same time, the Joads were still trying to get to California and Granma was one less person to worry about.
Appreciation
All of chapter eighteen and part of chapter twenty in The Grapes of Wrath dealt with the Joad family traveling the rest of the way to California. At the end of chapter eighteen, I read that Granma had died during the night on the truck, which did not surprise me. I think the plot has yet to pick up the pace, as reading each chapter is still a drag. The book has been equally informational and depressing, but difficult to get through.
When I first started the novel, I figured the Joad family would have some grand adventure trying to survive. In a way they have, just not in the fashion I had initially assumed. But a majority of the book has been full of talking, which I do not typically enjoy. I prefer books that have some sort of action involved along with talking; it needs to be well balanced. However, Steinbeck has balanced the talking with the in-between chapters which give updates on what is going on with the rest of the United States during that time period.
Chapter twenty was depressing to read, as the Joads stop and stay in a Hooverville. reading about the Hoovervilles made me think of 20th Century History again. Last year we discussed Hoovervilles, which were named after Herbert Hoover, the president during the 30's. The name Hooverville came from Herbert's last name to mock him because people were angry Hoover was not doing anything to help the economy. Therefore, reading about the families stuck in Hooverville, including the Joads, make me realize how fortunate I really am. Even though America is still recovering from the recent recession, I did not feel near as affected as people like the Joads did. Our family had to cut costs a bit, but we never had to sell our home or live out of our car like the Joads did.
So reading The Grapes of Wrath, especially chapter twenty, has made me appreciate having a house to come to and being able to have a good dinner together with my family without the economic pressure and stress. Although this book is still slow paced, reading each chapter has really made me think and realize how lucky I really am.
When I first started the novel, I figured the Joad family would have some grand adventure trying to survive. In a way they have, just not in the fashion I had initially assumed. But a majority of the book has been full of talking, which I do not typically enjoy. I prefer books that have some sort of action involved along with talking; it needs to be well balanced. However, Steinbeck has balanced the talking with the in-between chapters which give updates on what is going on with the rest of the United States during that time period.
Chapter twenty was depressing to read, as the Joads stop and stay in a Hooverville. reading about the Hoovervilles made me think of 20th Century History again. Last year we discussed Hoovervilles, which were named after Herbert Hoover, the president during the 30's. The name Hooverville came from Herbert's last name to mock him because people were angry Hoover was not doing anything to help the economy. Therefore, reading about the families stuck in Hooverville, including the Joads, make me realize how fortunate I really am. Even though America is still recovering from the recent recession, I did not feel near as affected as people like the Joads did. Our family had to cut costs a bit, but we never had to sell our home or live out of our car like the Joads did.
So reading The Grapes of Wrath, especially chapter twenty, has made me appreciate having a house to come to and being able to have a good dinner together with my family without the economic pressure and stress. Although this book is still slow paced, reading each chapter has really made me think and realize how lucky I really am.
The One-Eyed Man
In chapter sixteen of The Grapes of Wrath, I read about an unusual character. Steinbeck never actually names him, but he is referred to as the "one-eyed man." When Tom and Al go to get the the parts they need for the truck, they are approached by the one-eyed man. The man did not have his empty eye socket covered up, which I found odd at first. But then Steinbeck described through Tom that the one-eyed man was dirty and gross, and I found not having his empty eye socket covered suited his character.
Then, the one-eyed man went on to complain about his boss and how his boss left work to be with a girl. the one-eyed man continued complaining that he would never get a girl because of the the fact that he only has one eye. Tom made a good point in saying that it was no wonder no one ever looked at him because of the man's appearance. I do not think I would date a guy who did not cover up his empty eye socket; that is unsanitary and just plain gross. Plus, the man smells bad and probably does not take showers often. Tom gets on the guys case telling him to wash up and cover his eye, and he might get a date every once in a while. But, the one-eyed man needs to stop complaining so much about his miserable life.
That part in the chapter made me laugh because it is obvious Tom has had a worse life than the one-eyed man. Tom has killed a man in a drunken brawl and had to spend four years in jail because of it. Plus, Tom got home from jail to find his family gone and he had to walk to his Uncle John's farm only to leave shortly after for California; Tom is still not complaining as much as the one-eyed man.
So, I do not blame Tom for snapping on the one-eyed man. The man is complaining that he cannot get a girl and how miserable his life is because of a missing eye and a personal hygiene problem. So, it is the one-eyed man's fault for the situation he is in, and he needs to stop complaining.
Then, the one-eyed man went on to complain about his boss and how his boss left work to be with a girl. the one-eyed man continued complaining that he would never get a girl because of the the fact that he only has one eye. Tom made a good point in saying that it was no wonder no one ever looked at him because of the man's appearance. I do not think I would date a guy who did not cover up his empty eye socket; that is unsanitary and just plain gross. Plus, the man smells bad and probably does not take showers often. Tom gets on the guys case telling him to wash up and cover his eye, and he might get a date every once in a while. But, the one-eyed man needs to stop complaining so much about his miserable life.
That part in the chapter made me laugh because it is obvious Tom has had a worse life than the one-eyed man. Tom has killed a man in a drunken brawl and had to spend four years in jail because of it. Plus, Tom got home from jail to find his family gone and he had to walk to his Uncle John's farm only to leave shortly after for California; Tom is still not complaining as much as the one-eyed man.
So, I do not blame Tom for snapping on the one-eyed man. The man is complaining that he cannot get a girl and how miserable his life is because of a missing eye and a personal hygiene problem. So, it is the one-eyed man's fault for the situation he is in, and he needs to stop complaining.
Scared to Death for Survival
In addition to being touching, chapter seventeen made me think. I am currently in the Great Smoky Mountains in a cabin up in a mountain. I am surrounded by wildlife including deer and bears. However, I feel quite safe even sleeping on an outdoor porch area with just a netting/wire mesh material surrounding the porch. As I was reading, especially chapter seventeen, I got to thinking what it would have been like to camp alongside a road back in the 30's. Because to be honest, I found what the Joad family did, along with the many other families camping, to be a bit more dangerous than what I am doing.
Like I said, I am surrounded by wildlife, but I feel protected and secure. The families who had to spend the night along Route 66 probably did not feel as safe. They were spending their nights in a tent, which does not provide as much protection as a wood cabin. Also, the travelers were unfamiliar with the area in which they were camping in. Even though most families stayed just one or two nights, the area was unfamiliar, which could be dangerous. I just could not imagine sleeping in a tent with four other people surrounded by wildlife on one side and other travelers on the other. I would be scared out of my mind, even at my age.
However, camping in unknown places was what the travelers had to do in order to survive. The travelers had no other way of getting from one side of America to the other without making stops along the way to rest. Therefore, they would stop along to road to rest despite the threat of wildlife. However, the fat that most of the campsites contained about twenty families helped because it was a large group. Plus, the men of the families were usually alert for anything unusual, so they could protect their families from harm.
But, the people would never really know what was actually snuffling outside their tent unless someone went and checked. More times than not, a raccoon was probably sniffing around looking for dropped food and causing a ruckus. At night, where I am staying, a chipmunk can make enough sound to make be believe the chipmunk is a bear, so sounds can be deceiving a lot of times. People back then were taking a huge, but necessary risk by sleeping alongside the road. However, it was for survival, and it usually worked out most of the time.
Like I said, I am surrounded by wildlife, but I feel protected and secure. The families who had to spend the night along Route 66 probably did not feel as safe. They were spending their nights in a tent, which does not provide as much protection as a wood cabin. Also, the travelers were unfamiliar with the area in which they were camping in. Even though most families stayed just one or two nights, the area was unfamiliar, which could be dangerous. I just could not imagine sleeping in a tent with four other people surrounded by wildlife on one side and other travelers on the other. I would be scared out of my mind, even at my age.
However, camping in unknown places was what the travelers had to do in order to survive. The travelers had no other way of getting from one side of America to the other without making stops along the way to rest. Therefore, they would stop along to road to rest despite the threat of wildlife. However, the fat that most of the campsites contained about twenty families helped because it was a large group. Plus, the men of the families were usually alert for anything unusual, so they could protect their families from harm.
But, the people would never really know what was actually snuffling outside their tent unless someone went and checked. More times than not, a raccoon was probably sniffing around looking for dropped food and causing a ruckus. At night, where I am staying, a chipmunk can make enough sound to make be believe the chipmunk is a bear, so sounds can be deceiving a lot of times. People back then were taking a huge, but necessary risk by sleeping alongside the road. However, it was for survival, and it usually worked out most of the time.
Chapter 17: Touching
Out of all the chapters I have read so far in The Grapes of Wrath, (all 17 of them)chapter seventeen has been my favorite. I was reading by the fireplace in our cabin, and with the peaceful atmosphere I was in plus the chapter's overall message just made me really enjoy the chapter.
I found the chapter touching and different than the previous chapters I have read. This chapter had to do with the "togetherness" of the many families traveling along Route 66. I thought it was neat how the families bonded and went through different joys and sorrows together as "one giant family."
If a baby was being born, everyone waited in anticipation. When the baby was born, everyone cheered and showered the new parents with gifts. However, if a baby died, money was placed on the doorstep of the deceased baby's family to help pay for the burial. But if the death was that of an elderly person, they were buried illegally in a field because they had lived a good life. A baby had not been given the chance to live and its funeral was all the baby had left in this world.
If someone had a guitar, the owner of the guitar played for everyone present at the campsite whether they liked the music or not. In addition, people staying at the campsite shared their experiences, offered advice, and formed bonds over the course of the night. Boundaries were established and friendships were made as well. Everyone, like I said, treated each other like family, and as one of their own. Although they sometimes did not get along, the travelers found something in common and became friends for the night.
I think that the thing I liked most about this chapter was it was different than previous chapters. This chapter was actually fun to read and easy to understand. The chapter was not depressing. Instead it gave insight to how the people traveling came together in their time of need and helped each other out, even if it was for only one night. I thought it was neat, because bonding like those travelers did is not often seen in today's society. But then again, there are not large masses of people moving to the same place like I have said previously. So I just enjoyed reading this "ray of sunshine" chapter amidst the depression of the migration and the Joad family.
I found the chapter touching and different than the previous chapters I have read. This chapter had to do with the "togetherness" of the many families traveling along Route 66. I thought it was neat how the families bonded and went through different joys and sorrows together as "one giant family."
If a baby was being born, everyone waited in anticipation. When the baby was born, everyone cheered and showered the new parents with gifts. However, if a baby died, money was placed on the doorstep of the deceased baby's family to help pay for the burial. But if the death was that of an elderly person, they were buried illegally in a field because they had lived a good life. A baby had not been given the chance to live and its funeral was all the baby had left in this world.
If someone had a guitar, the owner of the guitar played for everyone present at the campsite whether they liked the music or not. In addition, people staying at the campsite shared their experiences, offered advice, and formed bonds over the course of the night. Boundaries were established and friendships were made as well. Everyone, like I said, treated each other like family, and as one of their own. Although they sometimes did not get along, the travelers found something in common and became friends for the night.
I think that the thing I liked most about this chapter was it was different than previous chapters. This chapter was actually fun to read and easy to understand. The chapter was not depressing. Instead it gave insight to how the people traveling came together in their time of need and helped each other out, even if it was for only one night. I thought it was neat, because bonding like those travelers did is not often seen in today's society. But then again, there are not large masses of people moving to the same place like I have said previously. So I just enjoyed reading this "ray of sunshine" chapter amidst the depression of the migration and the Joad family.
Chapter 16: More Problems
Chapter sixteen was really long and took me a while to get through. The chapter involved the Joads and the problems they have been encountering while on the road. At the moment, Granma is slowly going insane, and has been talking like she is carrying on a conversation with her deceased husband. I believe that she is not going to be around much longer, as the Joad family will be heading into the Rocky Mountains soon. It will be difficult for the Joads to find shad and stops along the road. Plus, Granma seems like she needed Grampa to survive and now that he is gone, she feels empty inside and as if she has lost her sole purpose in living. Also, Granma is getting old and traveling such a long distance cannot be good for her.
Along with a decline in Granma's health, one of the two cars is suffering. Now I do not know much about cars, but it seems that the car lost some type of rod that as important. However, I do not know for sure what exactly the rod did, other than cause problems for the Joad family. Because of the broken down car, the Joad family was forced to split up. Tom and Casy stay behind to try and fix the car while everyone else goes up ahead to get shade and rest for themselves and more specifically, Granma. Ma protests about the split, but she eventually goes with the majority and continues west to find a place to rest. Meanwhile, Tom and Casy start taking out the rod in the car. Casy starts talking to Tom; I found it interesting what Casy had to say about how someone is going to change the country with everyone going out west. I agree with Casy because there are so many people going west and abandoning their farms. Who knows what is going to happen once all those people arrive in California and find they all cannot work. People will start their own businesses and the economy will pick up again. What America does not know is that World War II will be starting soon, allowing everyone to get jobs again.
Along with a decline in Granma's health, one of the two cars is suffering. Now I do not know much about cars, but it seems that the car lost some type of rod that as important. However, I do not know for sure what exactly the rod did, other than cause problems for the Joad family. Because of the broken down car, the Joad family was forced to split up. Tom and Casy stay behind to try and fix the car while everyone else goes up ahead to get shade and rest for themselves and more specifically, Granma. Ma protests about the split, but she eventually goes with the majority and continues west to find a place to rest. Meanwhile, Tom and Casy start taking out the rod in the car. Casy starts talking to Tom; I found it interesting what Casy had to say about how someone is going to change the country with everyone going out west. I agree with Casy because there are so many people going west and abandoning their farms. Who knows what is going to happen once all those people arrive in California and find they all cannot work. People will start their own businesses and the economy will pick up again. What America does not know is that World War II will be starting soon, allowing everyone to get jobs again.
Chapters 14 & 15: Extremely Descriptive
Chapters fourteen and fifteen were both "in-between" chapters, as they did not deal with the Joad family. However, I enjoyed reading them as it gave me more insight to life back then. Chapter fourteen deals mainly with how the states are trying to accept the changes with everyone moving around so much. The western states are experiencing the most change, as that is where everyone is moving to. Many people are finding it difficult to accept the revolution and the advances in technology. I think in today's world we still have to make adaptions, but I really have not had to make any real big changes to make my life better. Sure I have had to move a couple of times, but the moves were all when I was younger and the changes did not affect me as much. Therefore, I see a difference in those times as compared to our times. They took change a lot differently than we do today. Most of us just accept change and try to work around it.
Chapter fifteen I found fun to read as there was an extremely large amount of descriptions. Steinbeck is describing a roadside restaurant/diner where many travelers stop to get food and rest. There were lots of descriptions regarding the items on the shelves and mostly the type of people. The owners of the roadside diners must have seen so many different types of people. Just by reading, I found out how differently people do act. Which, I did know somewhat already how desperate or rude people can be, it was still an interesting chapter to read. For instance, some truckers came in, got some pie, and were discussing why so many people were traveling on Route 66. The waitress made the truckers pay full price for everything. Then, a family drove up and the father came into the diner with his two kids. The family did not have that much money. The father asked the waitress for a loaf of bread, so they could split it amongst themselves. At first the waitress said no, but another worker who I think might have been the owner said go ahead and give them a loaf of bread. Then the dad saw his two kids looking at the candy and by Steinbeck's descriptions, I could see the kids in my mind looking longingly at the candy. The waitress gave the man two sticks of candy for a penny when the price was actually one stick for ten cents. The diner reminded me a lot of Cracker Barrel, where we stopped for lunch today while on the road heading to Tennessee. Chapter fifteen showed that there are good people in the world as well as described a roadside diner exceptionally well.
Chapter fifteen I found fun to read as there was an extremely large amount of descriptions. Steinbeck is describing a roadside restaurant/diner where many travelers stop to get food and rest. There were lots of descriptions regarding the items on the shelves and mostly the type of people. The owners of the roadside diners must have seen so many different types of people. Just by reading, I found out how differently people do act. Which, I did know somewhat already how desperate or rude people can be, it was still an interesting chapter to read. For instance, some truckers came in, got some pie, and were discussing why so many people were traveling on Route 66. The waitress made the truckers pay full price for everything. Then, a family drove up and the father came into the diner with his two kids. The family did not have that much money. The father asked the waitress for a loaf of bread, so they could split it amongst themselves. At first the waitress said no, but another worker who I think might have been the owner said go ahead and give them a loaf of bread. Then the dad saw his two kids looking at the candy and by Steinbeck's descriptions, I could see the kids in my mind looking longingly at the candy. The waitress gave the man two sticks of candy for a penny when the price was actually one stick for ten cents. The diner reminded me a lot of Cracker Barrel, where we stopped for lunch today while on the road heading to Tennessee. Chapter fifteen showed that there are good people in the world as well as described a roadside diner exceptionally well.
Accepting Death
In addition to being long, chapter thirteen in The Grapes of Wrath was somewhat sad as there were two deaths in the chapter. My personal favorite character because of his "live life to the fullest and I'm sticking to my roots and hometown" attitude and his disorderly array of how he lived his life was Grampa, a.k.a. William James Joad. He died of a stroke when the Joads stopped to rest for the night. Grampa had been feeling poorly ever since the Joads left their farm to head to California, but he slept most of the time while on the road in the truck. Then, Grampa fell asleep again at camp, suffered from a stroke in the Wilson's tent, and passed away. The Joad family argued a lot about what to do with Grampa's body, as they did not want to pay the 40 dollar fee to bury their dead. So, the Joads ended up burying Grampa and covered the dirt over his body with scrap so no one would know they had "illegally" buried someone.
After burying Grampa, I found it interesting the conversation that went on between the members of the Joad family. The preacher said that he knew Grampa was dead as soon as they left their farm in Oklahoma. But there was nothing anyone could have done, because either way would have resulted in Grampa's death. Then, as the Joads were preparing to sleep for the night, the mood in the atmosphere seemed as if Grampa had been gone a year instead of just a few hours. to me, it displayed how quickly the Joad family had to move on and not let death affect them. The Joad family buried Grampa and paid their respects, but they now had to focus once again on the task at hand: getting to California.
I mentioned early that there was another death. The other death was not as important as Grampa's, but I felt it needed recognition as it could be symbolism or foreshadowing. The Joad's family dog was hit and killed at a pit stop by a car driving on the highway. The Joad's reactions were mixed, but mostly just of relief. Pa said the dog's death was for the better, as they would not be able to care and feed the dog anyway. So once again, the family had to accept the dog's death and move on.
After burying Grampa, I found it interesting the conversation that went on between the members of the Joad family. The preacher said that he knew Grampa was dead as soon as they left their farm in Oklahoma. But there was nothing anyone could have done, because either way would have resulted in Grampa's death. Then, as the Joads were preparing to sleep for the night, the mood in the atmosphere seemed as if Grampa had been gone a year instead of just a few hours. to me, it displayed how quickly the Joad family had to move on and not let death affect them. The Joad family buried Grampa and paid their respects, but they now had to focus once again on the task at hand: getting to California.
I mentioned early that there was another death. The other death was not as important as Grampa's, but I felt it needed recognition as it could be symbolism or foreshadowing. The Joad's family dog was hit and killed at a pit stop by a car driving on the highway. The Joad's reactions were mixed, but mostly just of relief. Pa said the dog's death was for the better, as they would not be able to care and feed the dog anyway. So once again, the family had to accept the dog's death and move on.
Comparing Journeys
Chapter thirteen in The Grapes of Wrath was extremely long. I am currently in the car driving to Tennessee, on a really long car trip. The trip my family and I are on reminds me of the Joad family and how they are trying to get to California.
I was comparing the Joad family's situation to mine while reading. The Joads were traveling to get to a better lifestyle, and for survival. But for me, I am traveling for relaxation and to have fun. In addition, people back in the 30's were a lot more friendly and open then poeple today. For instance, the Joads pull off to the side of the road to rest for the night and there is already another family stopped to rest, the Wilsons. The Wilsons were very welcoming and accepted the company. But in today's society, people act differently. For one, people do not typically pull over to the side of the road to rest and sleep unless they are semi drivers; they find a hotel. Secondly, people now a days just want to get to where they are going and will just rest as soon as they arrive at their destination. Unlike in the 30's, when the families moved slower, and took their time. Therefore, times are different and have changed since the Joad family traveled along Route 66.
Another difference in travel back then that I noticed was that travel was a lot more slow moving. Now given, the cars back then could not travel as fast, so their overall distance covered in a day was much shorter. For example, the Joads hope to make it to California in ten days. When my family and I took a vacation out west, we made it to Colorado in two days. If we had continued west, we probably would have gotten to California in about three days with overnight stops. Although, Oklahoma is farther than Illinois to California. From Oklahoma City to Los Angeles, the distance is about 1,657 miles. So, divide the distance by 35 miles an hour, and if the the Joads traveled nonstop, it would take them about 47 hours to get to California. However, the Joads are only traveling about ten hours a day and have to make stops for repairs, so they should get to California in about five or six days.
Therefore, I can tell a difference in the technology of cars as well as in the road system. Because in addition to having slower cars, there was not an interstate system. The only main road to travel from one side of America to the other on was Route 66, and it did not cut directly through mountains and hills; the road went around them, making the actual trip longer than if they had an interstate. So, the journey I am on is a bit different than the one the Joads took to get to California.
I was comparing the Joad family's situation to mine while reading. The Joads were traveling to get to a better lifestyle, and for survival. But for me, I am traveling for relaxation and to have fun. In addition, people back in the 30's were a lot more friendly and open then poeple today. For instance, the Joads pull off to the side of the road to rest for the night and there is already another family stopped to rest, the Wilsons. The Wilsons were very welcoming and accepted the company. But in today's society, people act differently. For one, people do not typically pull over to the side of the road to rest and sleep unless they are semi drivers; they find a hotel. Secondly, people now a days just want to get to where they are going and will just rest as soon as they arrive at their destination. Unlike in the 30's, when the families moved slower, and took their time. Therefore, times are different and have changed since the Joad family traveled along Route 66.
Another difference in travel back then that I noticed was that travel was a lot more slow moving. Now given, the cars back then could not travel as fast, so their overall distance covered in a day was much shorter. For example, the Joads hope to make it to California in ten days. When my family and I took a vacation out west, we made it to Colorado in two days. If we had continued west, we probably would have gotten to California in about three days with overnight stops. Although, Oklahoma is farther than Illinois to California. From Oklahoma City to Los Angeles, the distance is about 1,657 miles. So, divide the distance by 35 miles an hour, and if the the Joads traveled nonstop, it would take them about 47 hours to get to California. However, the Joads are only traveling about ten hours a day and have to make stops for repairs, so they should get to California in about five or six days.
Therefore, I can tell a difference in the technology of cars as well as in the road system. Because in addition to having slower cars, there was not an interstate system. The only main road to travel from one side of America to the other on was Route 66, and it did not cut directly through mountains and hills; the road went around them, making the actual trip longer than if they had an interstate. So, the journey I am on is a bit different than the one the Joads took to get to California.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Chapter Twelve: A Good Segue Into Chapter Thirteen
Chapter twelve in The Grapes of Wrath deals with people in general who are traveling on Highway 66, a.k.a. "Route 66" or the "Mother Road." The chapter goes into great detail about various problems the people encounter while on the road. For example, back then, the cars had to have water put on the radiators to keep them cool. Therefore, while people were traveling long distances, stops were made along the way to cool down the radiators. The cooling was done by having water poured onto the radiator. Another problem people had were finding good tires. Most of the cars the people bought had been used previously, and had been bought cheap. So, the car dealers would put bad tires onto the car, as it did not have any effect on them if the tires blew out halfway to California. Also, Route 66 got extremely crowded during these times, as it seemed the entire state of Oklahoma was moving to California. One thing I like so far about Steinbeck is how descriptive he is. Like I said in a previous blog post, I can really tell he lived and suffered through these times. Anyone can describe a miserable situation, but because Steinbeck lived through the 30's and the Dust Bowl migration, his experiences make the story that much more realistic.
I am beginning to notice what every other chapter is describing now. Every other chapter tells of people in general and how they are affected as a whole by the Dust Bowl. Most people, me included, do not have that much knowledge of the goings on during those times. Therefore, Steinbeck deems it necessary to share experiences through both the story of the Joads as well as people in general, and the sacrifices they had to make in order to survive. I find it quite interesting to read, however it does make the story confusing to read at times, as I'll have just finished reading about the Joad's and then I will get to the next chapter which deals with people in general. I often find that I have to re-read the chapter to fully understand it. I also noticed that the "in between chapters" lead into what the Joad family is going to be experiencing, so I can understand a little bit more as to what is going to be happening to them.
I am beginning to notice what every other chapter is describing now. Every other chapter tells of people in general and how they are affected as a whole by the Dust Bowl. Most people, me included, do not have that much knowledge of the goings on during those times. Therefore, Steinbeck deems it necessary to share experiences through both the story of the Joads as well as people in general, and the sacrifices they had to make in order to survive. I find it quite interesting to read, however it does make the story confusing to read at times, as I'll have just finished reading about the Joad's and then I will get to the next chapter which deals with people in general. I often find that I have to re-read the chapter to fully understand it. I also noticed that the "in between chapters" lead into what the Joad family is going to be experiencing, so I can understand a little bit more as to what is going to be happening to them.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Chapters Nine & Ten: Depressing
I just recently finished chapter ten of The Grapes of Wrath. Chapter ten was extremely long and it took me a while to get through it. However, when I finished reading it, I got to thinking about how fortunate I really am to have the things I have in life. The Joad family had to attempt to pack their entire house onto one truck to take with them to California. I do not think I would be able to sell all of my furniture to leave to go to California. However, for the Joad family, moving was their only option. They had already lost everything else in Oklahoma, and wanted to start over their life. In the previous chapter, many generalizations were made. Chapter nine talked about everyone packing up their belongings and getting ready to leave. A passage I found touching in chapter ten was when Ma went through the house by herself after everyone had cleared out their possessions. Ma went into the bedroom and pulled out a stationary box full of her most prized treasures and keepsakes which included letters, a newspaper clipping of Tom's trial, and jewelry. Taking only the jewelry, she put the rest of the contents of the box into the smoldering fire. To me, this made me sad as it displayed Ma had given up hope and everything in her Oklahoma lifestyle. She was ready to move on into a new life. I found that passage touching. Also, the Joad family only has about a hundred dollars to their name. They got around eighteen dollars for selling their furniture, which to me does not seem like a whole lot. To the Joad family, the furniture they sold was full of memories and they had to sell the pieces of furniture out of desperation for money. The grandfather did not seem to want to leave Oklahoma. Throughout the chapter, he kept saying how he could not wait to eat California grapes and oranges. However, when it actually got time to leave, the grandfather did not want to go. He said his roots were in Oklahoma. Tom knew his grandfather could not manage on his own living by himself, so he, along with his ma and pa slipped a type of sleeping drug into the grandfather's drink so he could be put on the truck without a problem. Now, the Joads are on their way to California leaving two dogs, chickens, and Muley behind.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
First Impressions of the Entire Joad Family
Chapter eight of The Grapes of Wrath tells of Tom Joad arriving to his Uncle John's farm and meeting his family again after spending four years in prison. It was not as emotional as I anticipated his homecoming to be. His dad did not even recognize Tom at first, and upon second glance figured out that hey! My son is home. Then Tom went inside to his mother, who did not get a clear look at him either, as the sun blocked her view of him. Also, Tom's father tricked his mother so to speak by saying some men had stopped by and were hoping they could catch a bite to eat. Then, when Tom's mother did see Tom, she was in shock. I loved how everyone assumed that Tom had broken out of prison. The first thing Tom's dad asked Tom was if he was running from the law and needed to hide. Then his mother asked him the same thing. Therefore, Tom's parents seemed quite concerned about him being in trouble, as they should be. I think my favorite character Steinbeck described was the grandfather. I personally found him hilarious. Both him and his wife have fought their entire lives together, and do not seem to get along unless they are fighting. But, the grandfather walks into the house with an unbuttoned shirt and fly, and he cannot seem to get the buttons just right. This to me illustrates the old age of the grandfather and how he is slightly losing his mind. However, when he saw Tom he just said, hey Tom! You're home. Now where's the food? I could also tell the family did not care for Al, Tom's brother much. The impression I got was jealousy, just because he was out exploring the country while the rest of the family stayed and worked. However, Al is just a teenager, and should not be expected to work. But I guess back in those days, everyone had to work to survive. So all in all, the Joad family is very caring, but extremely chaotic. It will be interesting to read on and see if they all stick together when they head out to California.
Chapter Seven: Bizzare & Unnecessary
I recently finished reading chapter seven in The Grapes of Wrath and was very confused. I could not figure out who the speaker was, but I read chapter eight and came to the conclusion that maybe it was Tom's Uncle John trying to buy a car. I realize that cars were not all that common back in those days; they were just starting to make their appearances into the world. However, to spend an entire chapter discussing cars and the way they sell a car was rather pointless and strange in my opinion. Although, I did find it interesting the way the author described what was going through the car dealers mind. Because I figured out the speaker was probably a car dealer, I just do not know his name. I thought it was neat how the car dealer was telling a salesman how to sell the car. He should start with the most expensive car there is and they'll want to get a better car than the customer had originally hoped for. Plus, the car that was on display was actually never for sale, as they would never get a good price for it. The salesman should always say the car was just sold. Therefore, I still do not see the main point in this chapter. Obviously with everyone moving out of their homes to go to California, cars will be needed. I just do not see why Steinbeck had to spend an entire chapter on cars, much like the turtle scene. However, the chapter did once again give me insight to how desperate the people were back in those times, so maybe that is the purpose of the chapter: to inform the readers. All-in-all, I found the chapter boring, and I struggled to get through it as the dialog was confusing and just the main idea of the chapter did not make much sense to me as I read it. Hopefully, the chapter will have some significance later on in the novel, allowing me to understand the purpose of this chapter.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Interpretation of Jim Casy & Tom Joad by Chapter 7
Jim Casy is the preacher in The Grapes of Wrath. My first initial impression of him was that of a fat, cheery, Santa Claus type man. However, upon further reading, I realized he is actually quite twisted and confused in his mind. For being a man who is supposed to be extremely religious and teaching the word of God, he has done some pretty awful things. For example: he would take young innocent girls and rape them in the grass, telling them it would fill them with the Holy Spirit. Now I go to church every Saturday evening and never once have I gone into the grass with my priest just to "be filled with the holy spirit." That would be a little bizarre and downright creepy. So, there is most definitely something wrong with the preacher's mind. Also, he seems confused. One minute he is hating God and everything religious and the next minute he is praising God and saying how wonderful everything is. I believe Steinbeck put the preacher in the novel to illustrate that occupations can be deceiving as well. Like I said earlier, I thought him to be a good man, but he actually is not.
Tom Joad is the main character at this point in the novel. I actually like him as a character, which is surprising given the things he has done. He was sent to jail for murdering a man during a drunken brawl. However, because the other man struck first and stabbed Joad, Joad was given parole and let out after only four years. He was given civilian clothes and hitchhiked back home. I thought it was interesting how Joad told the other two guys, Muley and Jim, how he would go back to prison because at least there he had a sense of order and got decent meals. Tom did not have to work for his food. I found that interesting that he would be willing to give up his freedom for order and a meal. However, given the conditions he is in currently, I cannot say I blame him.
Those are my interpretations of Jim and Tom so far in the novel.
Tom Joad is the main character at this point in the novel. I actually like him as a character, which is surprising given the things he has done. He was sent to jail for murdering a man during a drunken brawl. However, because the other man struck first and stabbed Joad, Joad was given parole and let out after only four years. He was given civilian clothes and hitchhiked back home. I thought it was interesting how Joad told the other two guys, Muley and Jim, how he would go back to prison because at least there he had a sense of order and got decent meals. Tom did not have to work for his food. I found that interesting that he would be willing to give up his freedom for order and a meal. However, given the conditions he is in currently, I cannot say I blame him.
Those are my interpretations of Jim and Tom so far in the novel.
Up to Chapter 7 Assessment/Interpretation
I am currently on chapter seven in The Grapes of Wrath. So far, there has been an exceptional amount of sitting and talking at Joad's old house. I found it interesting the way the banks evicted the people from their homes by just plowing the land and sometimes part of the house as well. Reading this novel has "brought me back" and reminds me of the 20th Century History class I took last year with Mrs. Crossland. We did not spend much time discussing the Dust Bowl itself, but we did talk of the Dust Bowl migration and the effect it had on America.
The dialect of Muley can be difficult to understand as well as dialog between Joad, Muley, and Jim Casy, the preacher. It is often challenging to figure out who is saying what and if he literally means what he is saying or just figuratively.
Chapter one was short and brief, but necessary. The chapter provided a background to the novel, explained the setting and time period, and gave information regarding the lack of rain and excessive amount of dust. Because of the invention of the tractor, automobile, and the lack of rain, a lot of dust was produced. The dust covered Oklahoma like fog, making breathing while outdoors difficult. I did not realize just how much dust there was until I read chapter one.
Although The Grapes of Wrath is supposed to be a fictional story, I would classify it as historical fiction at the moment. Even though I am only on chapter seven and have twenty-three chapters to go, (not that I am counting or anything) I can already tell the author, Steinbeck, lived during this time by the descriptions he gives of the landscape, and the minor details. The characters so far have added to the novel itself, as Joad is the main character at the moment.
One last interpretation I would like to assess is that of the turtle. Chapter three is three pages long, going into detail about a turtle. Joad eventually picks up the turtle, saying he is going to give it to one of his siblings because, "everyone needs a turtle." However, when he arrives to his old home and finds it abandoned, he allows the turtle to escape. Therefore, I am wondering if the turtle is supposed to display some type of symbolism, or if Steinbeck had a pet turtle he cared about as a kid and put it in his novel. It is difficult to say at this point, so I will continue reading to see if the turtle re-emerges.
Aside from the confusing dialog, the novel has been enjoyable to read so far.
The dialect of Muley can be difficult to understand as well as dialog between Joad, Muley, and Jim Casy, the preacher. It is often challenging to figure out who is saying what and if he literally means what he is saying or just figuratively.
Chapter one was short and brief, but necessary. The chapter provided a background to the novel, explained the setting and time period, and gave information regarding the lack of rain and excessive amount of dust. Because of the invention of the tractor, automobile, and the lack of rain, a lot of dust was produced. The dust covered Oklahoma like fog, making breathing while outdoors difficult. I did not realize just how much dust there was until I read chapter one.
Although The Grapes of Wrath is supposed to be a fictional story, I would classify it as historical fiction at the moment. Even though I am only on chapter seven and have twenty-three chapters to go, (not that I am counting or anything) I can already tell the author, Steinbeck, lived during this time by the descriptions he gives of the landscape, and the minor details. The characters so far have added to the novel itself, as Joad is the main character at the moment.
One last interpretation I would like to assess is that of the turtle. Chapter three is three pages long, going into detail about a turtle. Joad eventually picks up the turtle, saying he is going to give it to one of his siblings because, "everyone needs a turtle." However, when he arrives to his old home and finds it abandoned, he allows the turtle to escape. Therefore, I am wondering if the turtle is supposed to display some type of symbolism, or if Steinbeck had a pet turtle he cared about as a kid and put it in his novel. It is difficult to say at this point, so I will continue reading to see if the turtle re-emerges.
Aside from the confusing dialog, the novel has been enjoyable to read so far.
Why I Want To Be In English 332
I feel that by being in this class, I will be able to get more help to do well on the ACT, and expand my creative writing skills. I also love to read and enjoy discussing the books I have read.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)