Chapter 8

Chapter eight introduces the reader to the rest of the Joad family. As Tom and Jim Cay arrive at Tom's Uncle John's house, they are greeted by Tom's father, named Ol' Tom Joad. Tom's father, also called Pa by many of the people in the faily, is an older gentleman, dark, lean, and muscular. His face is etchedwith wrinkles from his older age, and his hands show all the hard work he as done over the years. His clothers are dirty and simple, practical for his tenant work. H ishard woking, with a little bit of humor, and stern, but he cares for his family and looks out for thir well being.

The next charactr the reader meets is Tom's mother, Ma. She is also an older woman, stout, yet sturdy, and strong from all the work that she as done. She, like her husband, is mentally strong and cares for the well being of the family. She cares for the house, but she also works in the fields. Ma is nervous about the trip, yet tries to hide it in her humor.

Tom and Jim Casy then encounter Tom's grandparents, Granma and Grampa. Both are hard and witty characters who have their own sense of rules. Granma is very religious and likes to show it. Grampa does his own thing and throws a temper tantrum when he is upset about something. He is cruel and loud, yet still shows his affection of young Tom.

The last main characters that the reader meets are Tom's two brothers, Noah and Al. Noah is the eldest, slow in his actions not mentally, and has an abnormal figure. He is quiet and keeps to himself as if he is deep in thought. Al is Tom's younger brother, is good with cars, and respects Tom very much. Al is a smart aleck and a bit of a rascal, but he helps his family out as they prepare for the big trip to California.