How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
[used car salesman:] "Goin' to California? Here's jus' what you need. Looks shot, but they's thousan's of miles in her." (7.53)
Many people, like the used car salesmen, make their money by deceiving unknowing families.
Quote #2
[used car salesman:] "That rattle – that's tappets. Don't hurt a bit. Tappets can rattle till Jesus comes again without no harm. But that thudding as the car moves along – can't hear that – just kind of feel it. Maybe oil isn't gettin' someplace. Maybe a bearing's startin' to go." (12.6)
A car may look solid and sturdy, it may look brand new, but the families cannot be fooled by appearances. The families have to listen, have to feel their cars in order to understand them. The physical appearance of the car will tell them little about how the car itself functions.
Quote #3
[a tire salesman on Highway 66:] "That's what you think! Ever hear of the border patrol on the California line? Police from Los Angeles – stopped you bastards, turned you back. Says, if you can't buy no real estate we don't want you. Says, got a driver's license? Le's see it. Tore it up. Says you can't come in without no driver's license." (12.17)
For the first time, the Joads concept of what they will find in California is rattled. Their dream is met by a harsh reality.