Chapter 19

This chapter begins Part Two of the Novel (Part One ended at the end of chapter 11). The Joads have finally reached California, but it is nothing like they imagined. Steinbeck gives an overview of the history of California as well as exposing the living and working conditions of the migrants. He shows how the few oppress the many. Use an example from this chapter and compare it to another example from history or today. You may want to consider the workers in Fast Food Nation, the Iraqi people, women, African Americans, Indians, etc. Do not repeat anyone else's specific examples.