Contents
Chapter 18
Overview
The Joads reach the Colorado River and briefly rest among migrants, hearing stark warnings about California’s hostility and the slur “Okie.” Noah chooses to leave and live by the river. Pressed by police and Sairy Wilson’s collapse, the Joads cross the desert at night; Ma conceals Granma’s death to ensure passage. At dawn they behold California’s fertile valley, nearly broke and burdened with burial ahead.
Summary
The family climbs through Arizona, reaches the Colorado at Needles, and camps among migrants. The men bathe and meet a father and son returning from California, who warn of hostile locals, land monopolies, crooked scales, and the slur “Okie.” Their fear steels the Joads to push on despite dwindling money and Granma’s decline.
By the river, Ma tends delirious Granma as Jehovites hold a nearby fervent meeting. A local officer orders them to move on, and Ma defiantly faces him with a skillet. In the willows, Noah quietly decides to stay by the river to live off fish, believing he does not belong with the family. Ma, shaken, urges the family to regroup for a night desert crossing.
As heat eases, the Joads prepare to leave. The Wilsons cannot continue because Sairy is failing; Casy prays silently with her. The Joads insist on leaving food and money. At a service station, attendants deride “Okies.” On the road, Uncle John confesses guilt over his wife’s death to Casy, who argues each person must find his own way.
Near midnight, agricultural inspectors demand unloading, but Ma’s fierce plea about a dying Granma wins them passage. Through the night Ma lies beside Granma, who dies before the stop; Ma keeps the death secret so the family can cross. At dawn they crest Tehachapi and see the lush valley. Exhausted, Ma reveals Granma’s death. The family mourns, plans a proper burial with about forty dollars left, and rolls down toward the promise and uncertainty of California.
Who Appears
- Ma JoadProtects the family; defies a cop; conceals Granma’s death to get them across the desert.
- Tom JoadLeads driving and decisions; hears warnings; accepts Noah’s departure; pushes onward into California.
- Granma JoadDelirious by the river, dies during the night crossing; her body is smuggled through inspection.
- Noah JoadDetached eldest son who decides to remain by the river, living off fish.
- Pa JoadWeighs rest versus work; grieves changes; helps load and plan burial with scant funds.
- Jim CasyOffers plainspoken philosophy; prays silently with Sairy; counsels Uncle John on guilt.
- Mr. WilsonInsists Joads continue without them; stays to tend dying Sairy.
- Sairy WilsonToo ill to travel; requests Casy’s prayer, likely near death.
- Al JoadCo-drives across the desert; manages the car and supplies; reacts bluntly to Granma’s death.
- Rose of SharonPregnant, anxious; shares intimate hopes with Connie; mourns Granma quietly.
- Connie RiversDreams of studying and opening a store; comforts Rose of Sharon.
- Uncle JohnHaunted by past guilt; seeks moral guidance from Casy during the night drive.
- Ruthie JoadAwed by California; frightened yet fascinated by Granma’s body.
- Winfield JoadPlays by the river; awed by the valley; solemn about Granma’s death.
- River PolicemanHarasses migrants at the camp, orders them to move on, uses “Okies.”
- Agricultural InspectorsStop the truck at Daggett; allow passage after Ma’s plea.
- Service Station AttendantsTake payment, then disparage migrants as inhuman “Okies.”
- Returning Panhandle Father and SonWarn of California’s hostility, land monopolies, and irregular work.