Grapes of Wrath Essay (Essay Sample)

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Grapes of Wrath Essay
In this essay, I identify and analyze ten quotes by the main character Tom Joad. The table below shows the quotes and page numbers together with an analysis of every quote.
Quote and Page Number

Analysis

"Sure- I seen it, but sometimes a guy will be a good guy even if some old bastard makes him carry a sticker" pg. 4

Here, Tom Joad pleads with the truck driver to contradict popular beliefs. He is the character that tells things as they are. He makes Jim Casy understand that he has been made to carry a sticker. As such, it is inappropriate when the sticker guides Jim’s decisions.

"I never let nothing go by when I could catch it, and I never had ideas about it except that I was glad when I got one." Pg. 14

Joad asserts his aggressiveness with these words. He reminds the preacher of the need to follow what one seeks with everything you have. Joad appreciates girls but acknowledges that he has gone a long time without one. Even so, he reminds us that when you want something, nothing should stop you.

"we had pretty nice tools, there isn’t nothing left." Pg. 25

Joad painfully recounts the loss the family has suffered following their eviction by the bank. It is real that we lose everything in such circumstances. Besides, it shows just how such a strong character can be worn out with some things. The plight of the family pains Joad the most.

"Night after night in my burn I figured how she’d be when I come home again." Pg. 36

Tom may have been in jail but he cares a lot about his family. There is a part of him that believes that the family if very important. Besides, he mentions these words after a long speech by Casy, as though to ignore what he said.

"Where is grandpa? I aint seen the old devil." Pg. 48

Tom is worried about the status of everyone in the family. He has spent a good time with grandma and asks of grandpa’s whereabouts. Surprisingly, he calls him the ‘devil’, which is purely sarcastic. This alludes to grandpa’s stern demands of life.

"Don’t raise your faith bird-high and you won’t do no crawling with the worms." Pg. 58

These words are directed at Ma. She seems concerned with life in California with the belief that things are better there. Tom challenges her to lower her expectations with no major explanations.

"Listen, I know grandpa has the right to say he aint going, but he can’t stay, we know that." Pg. 73

Tom seems to be the person inspiring everyone to leave Oklahoma. Grandpa is of the contrary opinion, but Tom understands that pa and ma could make him change his mind. Also, it is notable how Tom raises their curiosity by telling them to come inside for he has something important to say.
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