Good Morning everyone!
Chapter 22 marks the start of a "new" life for the Joads, maybe forever or for a while... They enter this government camp where it drastically differs from the other camps: in the aspects of running water; hot or cold, toilets, a bed, a nice tent, dances every Saturday, no cops, their own rules, and people who care for them. The text states, "Central committee keeps order and makes rules. Then there's the ladies. They call on your Ma. They keep care of kids an' look after the sanitary units..." (Steinbeck, 1996, p. 287) According to this chapter and text, the government is ten times better than Hooverville. The Joads are welcomed, not to mention, excited to be there. The government camp also does a nice job of being organized and making their own rules. Although jobs are limited, it doesn't become an issue until further in the novel. The government camp is united by the people and not disunited by the cops, but like I said, the only downside is the fact that jobs are limited: the reason the Joads traveled west is for a job.
I hope this helps! Feel free to add on or take away. :)
I totally agree with everything you said except one thing. The government camp isn't ten times better than the Hooverville Camp, it's a thousand times better because there are no guns or gangs involved, everyone is nice, there are dances every Saturday, and most important of all, everything is decided by the community. There aren't any life or death situations which makes this camp way better than the Hooverville Camp.
ReplyDeleteHope you can agree and feel free to reply.
Hello Tommy,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that it is a thousand times better- except for the fact that jobs are limited.
Thank you for your feedback!
Hello!
ReplyDeleteThe government camps were such a nice addition to the story. It gave the readers a nice break from all the anxiety and anger. Unfortunately for me I found the place a little unsettling. It had the "too good to be true vibe" and it could not settle at all for me. Although, I must agree that they had a place to rest. Also, the woman that came up to Rosasharn was extremely upsetting. Do you think the woman intended to scare her?
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI believe the woman was jealous of Rose! It may be an odd assumption; however, she was trying to make her feel uncomfortable and to it seemed like she was jealous! I also couldn't agree more with your ideas Tien! It felt like a "too good to be true vibe" at first, but it does relieve the reader from all the anger and anxiety!!
I agree that the government camp sure is a better environment for the Joad family than the Hoovervilles, but it also comes with its own set of problems. For example, after reading through the whole chapter we find out that two babies have previously died in the camp. We don't quite know who is telling the truth between Mrs. Sandry and the manager. After all, there is always going to be some truth to madness. Then you have the event with Ruthie and the other children in the camp. This is a prime example of the struggle to be accepted. You either fit in right off the bat, or you are forced to work your way to the top. This is evident through the committees that are present. Finally, there is also the issue involving the saturday dances. We hear not only from the Mrs. Sandry that there is some sort of evil going on, but also from Mr. Thomas. By looking at the whole picture, one begins to realise that this camp isn't exactly perfect. It almost feels like there is some cultlike activities going on in this camp.
ReplyDeleteHi tommy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you I believe that the government camps are a substantial upgrade from the Hoovervilles. Like you said, jobs are more present, but the only problem is the wages do not match up to the work. They are paid less than what they actually work for.