The narrator told the audience about two things: life and death. At the end of chapter twelve, the author stated, "there will be instances of both bitter cruelty and life affirming beauty." (Steinbeck, 1996, p.122) This quotes was demonstrated in this chapter, chapter 13, and was validated through the use of exposition and rising action. When the author speaks about bitter cruelty, he is reffering to death, more specifically, Grampa's. The Joads expierenced bitter cruelty at the time of his death; while also experiencing life affirming beauty. In this novel, life affirming beauty ties in with the theme: social unity. When they meet the Wilsons in this chapter, the audience was introduced to a more hopeful tone rather then social disunity. Meeting the Wilsons is life affirming beauty becasue with the help of others, people can achieve much more things than if they were alone: the beauty of life. To wrap up, bitter cruelty is death; life affirming beauty is social unity.
I hope this helps, please feel free to add or subtract! :)
I completely agree with everything you said! I couldn't say it better myself. The death of the grandfather may be a let down, but meeting the Wilsons has definitely changed the mood of the story in a positive way.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with everything,but as I read through the chapter they had talked about the dog being run over and the mother being scared it would scar the baby in the future. I get that her main priority is the baby, but the fact that she barely thinks about the dog is sort of a reflection about what is happening to society in the story.
ReplyDeleteI agree with each and everyone of you! I think all of you had great points and ideas that added on to the discussion as well as clarify the question for others!
ReplyDeleteI agree: The deaths of Grampa and the family's dog both represent bitter moments and the Joads meeting the Wilson signifies life's affirming beauty.
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