The Mother Road
The Grapes of WrathExplores Highway 66 as a symbol of the migrant journey, both a path of hope and a road of suffering.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingThe Beginning of the Road
The Ascent
The Highway
Highway 66 is the main migrant road. It stretches from Oklahoma to California. It is the path of flight.
The Hope
The Joads join the stream of migrants. The road represents hope. It leads to a new life.
The Community
On the road, they meet other families. They share stories. The road is a place of connection.
The Hardships of the Road
The Struggle
The Breakdowns
The road is hard on the cars. The Joads have constant mechanical trouble. The road is a trial.
The Heat and Dust
The road is hot and dusty. The family suffers. The road is not a romantic journey.
The Danger
The road is dangerous. There are wrecks and accidents. The road claims lives.
The End of the Road
The Destination
The Valley
The road ends in the San Joaquin Valley. It is beautiful but hostile. The promised land is not what they expected.
The Continuing Road
The Joads must keep moving. There is no end to the road. They are migrants forever.
The Symbol
The road is a symbol of the migrant condition. It is both a lifeline and a curse. The journey never ends.
early in the journey
throughout the journey
after arrival in California
