Grapes of Wrath 8-16

As Tom and Casy travel to Uncle John's house, Tom tells stories about John. He tell how John's wife dies after complaining of a stomach ache which John dismissed and refused to hire a doctor. He then tell about John's generosity, and he tells about how he is still unable to be comforted after his one fatal mistake. Upon his arrival at John's house, Ma and Pa do not recognize Tom. He explains he has been paroled to lay their fears that he has broken out to rest. After breakfast Al arrives, and his respect and admiration for Tom is shown.

The Joads are not the only people traveling to California. Tenant farmers prepare for their migration. Most sell their belongings for mere pennies.

Tom and Ma talk about California. Ma reveals that she is worried what California will be like, but decides to trust the handbill. The Joads decide Casy can go with them. Suddenly, Grandpa decides he no longer wants to leave. He says he'll be like Muley, but the family won't let that happen. He is drugged and taken with them.

The land is emptied as the farmers leave for California. Tractors continue to work the land, but they have no connection to it. People lose the wonder for the land.

Route 66 is packed with migrants. Salesmen cheat the farmers out of their money. The farmers are continually met with hostility.

Al drives the truck down Route 66. He and Ma discuss California. The Joads stop at a service station to get gas. As they wait at the station, the family dog it hit and killed by a car. The Joads press on and meet the Wilsons. Grandpa dies. The Wilsons and the Joads decide to travel together.

People in the West do not like or understand the migrant farmers. The roads are lined with families. Ditches are filled with family camps. The migrants become feared because of their numbers.

In a diner a waitress named Mae waits for customers. She wantes truckers to stop by because they leave good tips. A tattered man and his boys com into the store. The man wants a loaf of bread for a dime, but Mae won't sell at first. She finally softens and even gives the boys two pieces of candy for a penny.

The Wilsons and Joads settle into a new traveling routine. Rose of Sharon discusses how she and Connie want to live in town. Ma dislikes this idea because she does not want the family to be broken up. A man reveals what California is really like. His family starved to death because he could not find work. The Joads become worried. CAsy tries to reassure them that it may be different for them.