Chapter+25



=Summary=

Chapter 25 is an intercalary chapter that prepares the reader to understand the reasons for next chapter’s events. By reading these pages, the reader is guided through the events that will bring unemployment, Jim Casey’s death, and other incidents. The beginning of Chapter 25 portrays a picturesque description of California. It describes California’s beautiful landscapes, delightful climate, and abundance of fruits and vegetables to which the novel comments, “All California quickens with produce, and the fruits grow heavy, and the limbs bend gradually under the fruit so that little crutches must be placed under them to support the weight” (Pg. 346). The chapter continues with how scientists find ways of speeding up the production of fruits and vegetables while creating new fruits as well, which greatly help farmers cultivate more farm produce to sell. Unfortunately, as the rate of production rises, the farmers are forced to lower prices to keep their buyers. As the chapter progresses, the number of buyers diminishes. Not having enough buyers, the farmers attaining debt since they cannot pay their workers. They lose the buyers to the competition such as the banks, who continually buy off other farms stealing potential customers. In order for farmers to keep up prices, they begin to burn their surplus fruits. This action fills people with rage since fruit becomes so expensive and they can no longer afford it. In addition, the book states, “In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling…”

=Passage=

“In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage.” (Pg. 349)

Analysis of the Passage

=Reading Question=

How can people starve when fruits are overabundant?

Answer to the Reading Question

=Discussion Question=

What was the relationship between the scientific activity, which helped the crops grow and the destructive activity, which burned the crops?

Answer to the Discussion Question

=Theme Song=

"The Kiss" by Joel McNeely

The song begins very calmly representing the peace and good times that started in California. The repetitive music heard in the beginning also portrays the never-ending farming that occurs to maintain success. As the song progresses, it begins to slowly change. Different variations of music are added to the song, and the song begins to become louder representing the chaos and desperation that ensues after the good times; however, the same repetition of music that was heard in the beginning is still heard symbolizing the hope of the people that gives them the strength to fight for they really need.

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