Chapter eighteen finally brings the Joad's and the Wilson's to the outskirts of their destination, California. When they reach the border, they decide to rest and tackle the desert at night, so it will not be so hot, and they will not get baked in the sun. They stop at a river and willow trees, and the men go down to bathe in the nice cool river. "Each man sat in the water and felt the tug of the current...'Jesus, I needed this.'"
However, there is irony in their actions. They are rejuvenated and refreshed by the cool water; however, their stay in California is not going to be as nice and fresh as the river. In this chapter, the river represents hope, but the river does not run through all of California. Likewise, there is not a lot of hope in California like it was promised. They learn this from another man resting in the river. He represents the truth in a way, for he tells the Joad's men that the handbills that were delivered were not telling the whole story. He says that California is a beautiful land with oranges and grapes and nice farming ground, but that many people cannot have it. The truth worries the men a little bit, but they still continue on with their plan, hoping that this sad story will not be their own life story.
Also, Steinbeck foreshadows their troubles in California. The desert they are about to cross can be viewed as a symbol of more obstacles they are to go through. "'We got the desert yet,' Ruthie said...'I don't know. I seen pitchers once says a desert. They was bones ever'place.' 'Man bones?' 'Some, I guess...'" With these images in mind and the stories from people leaving California, the families are starting to question California and how much "promise land" it really is. Yet they are still hoping that life will be better, and that they will have the fresh start that was promised.
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