How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"I tried to tell you folks," he said. "Somepin it took me a year to find out. Took two kids dead, took my wife dead to show me. But I can't tell you. I should of knew that. Nobody couldn't tell me. But I can't tell you. I should of knew that. Nobody couldn't tell me, neither. I can't tell ya about them little fellas layin' in the tent with their bellies puffed out an' jus' skin on their bones, an' shiverin' an' whinin' like pups, an' me runnin' aroun' tryin' to get work – not for money, not for wages!" he shouted. (16.354)
If the Joads knew how horrible life would be in California, would they still go? The angry man at the campsite demonstrates how determined families are to find a new life. Even when presented with gruesome tales, they have no choice but to continue on their journey westward. There is no alternative.
Quote #8
[the man swimming in the Colorado River:] "Sure, nice to look at, but you can't have none of it. They's a grove of yella oranges – an' a guy with a gun that got the right to kill you if you touch one." (18.77)
So California is the land of plenty. No deception there. But it is plenty that you can't have. Who creates the myth of California, the paradise? Do the landowners create this myth, or do the migrant worker families create this myth?
Quote #9
[Casy:] "If he needs a million acres to make him feel rich, seems to me he needs it 'cause he feels awful poor inside hisself, and if he's poor in hisself, there ain't no million acres gonna make him feel rich." (18.90)
In the world of this novel, it seems like the prettier the land or idea, the more corrupt the land or idea is. Beautiful appearances hide horrible reality.