Uncle John's Destiny

Traces Uncle John's lifelong guilt over his wife's death and his struggle for redemption, culminating in his act of disposing of the stillborn baby.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Guilt

The Sin The Story Uncle John's wife died of appendicitis because he refused to call a doctor. He has carried the guilt ever since. He believes he is a sinner and brings bad luck. The Behavior Uncle John is kind but haunted. He gives gifts to children. He sometimes goes on drinking binges. He feels unworthy of the family's love. The Burden His guilt isolates him. He cannot escape the past. He seeks redemption but does not know how. His destiny is shaped by this tragedy.

The Drinking Spree

The Escape The Trigger After Jim Casy sacrifices himself, Uncle John feels compelled to drink. He believes he has sinned again by not taking the blame. He buys whisky and gets drunk. The Search Tom Joad finds Uncle John drunk by the roadside. He knocks him out and carries him back. The family loads him onto the truck. He is a burden. The Shame Uncle John is ashamed. He feels he is dragging the family down. His guilt deepens. He cannot escape his past.

The Disposal of the Baby

The Act The Task After the stillbirth, Uncle John is asked to dispose of the baby. He takes the apple box and wades into the flood. He sets it adrift. The Words Uncle John speaks to the dead baby. He tells it to go and tell the world about the suffering. He hopes the message will be heard. The Meaning This act is Uncle John's attempt at redemption. He gives the baby a voice. He hopes that its death will not be in vain. His destiny is to bear witness.

early in the story, revealed gradually

at the Hooverville

during the flood