Contents
Chapter 20
Overview
In a Hooverville, the Joads confront hunger, predatory hiring, and police intimidation. Floyd Knowles exposes the contracting scam; a deputy is felled in the ensuing clash, and Jim Casy takes the blame to protect Tom. Connie abandons Rose of Sharon, Uncle John gets drunk, and vigilantes burn the camp, forcing the Joads to flee toward the Weedpatch government camp.
Summary
After Granma’s county burial in Bakersfield, the exhausted Joads seek a free camp and stop at a Hooverville. They meet a fearful “Mayor” and Floyd Knowles, who explains why handbills flood the state, wages collapse, and deputies constantly push migrants along. Ma cooks a thin stew as hungry camp children silently descend; she shares what little remains.
Inside the family, strain grows: Connie laments coming west and dreams of studying radios; Rose of Sharon grows anxious. Casy reflects on people’s suffering and doubts the power of prayer. A neighbor girl praises a nearby government camp at Weedpatch. Tensions flare when a local mother, ashamed, accuses Ma of bragging about food, then retreats.
Floyd tips Tom and Al about possible work far north, but soon a contractor and an armed deputy arrive to recruit vaguely for Tulare County. Floyd demands a written offer and license; the deputy brands him a “red” and tries to arrest him. Floyd punches the deputy and runs; Tom trips the deputy; Casy knocks him out. With sirens coming, Casy urges Tom to hide to avoid parole violation, then surrenders and is taken to jail.
As evening falls, the family learns vigilantes plan to burn the Hooverville. Uncle John, tormented by guilt, gets drunk; Tom finds him, knocks him out gently to bring him back, and they break camp. Rose of Sharon, devastated, believes Connie has left; Ma steadies her and helps her onto the truck.
Leaving at night, the Joads meet armed locals who force them to turn north, but Tom detours and sees the Hooverville burn. He then drives south, aiming for the Weedpatch government camp, while Ma counsels patience and endurance as their only defense against humiliation and violence.
Who Appears
- Tom JoadProtects the family; trips a deputy during the clash; hides to avoid parole violation; leads the night escape toward Weedpatch.
- Jim CasyQuestions prayer’s power; knocks out the deputy and surrenders to protect Tom; is arrested, accepting blame.
- Ma JoadFeeds the family and hungry children; calms conflicts; steadies Rose of Sharon; urges a swift departure; counsels endurance.
- Floyd KnowlesHooverville mechanic; explains hiring scams and repression; demands a written contract; punches the deputy and escapes.
- Al JoadAssists Floyd with engine work; helps break camp and ride guard with a wrench during the escape.
- Pa JoadStruggles with loss and decisions; helps pack; resents Connie; rides out under threat of vigilantes.
- Rose of Sharon (Rosasharn)Pregnant and ill; distressed by Connie’s complaints; later abandoned, she is consoled and moved onto the truck.
- Uncle JohnBurdened by guilt; drinks heavily; is retrieved by Tom and loaded for the family’s hurried departure.
- ContractorArrives to recruit vaguely for Tulare County; evades pay details; summons a deputy to intimidate workers.
- Deputy Sheriff (Mike)Threatens arrests; is tripped and knocked out; later returns with armed men and has Casy taken to jail.
- Ruthie JoadHungry and proud; reacts to camp children; later mimics Uncle John’s drunkenness with Winfield.
- Winfield JoadHelps fetch water; joins Ruthie’s mocking play; witnesses the family’s tense flight.
- Connie RiversComplains about coming west; slips away up the river, abandoning Rose of Sharon.