The Grapes Of Wrath Book Report

The novel opens with Alexandra, a strong and independent woman, visiting a doctor’s office in the town of Hanover, Nebraska, a town that looks out of place on the vast prairie. The streets are empty except for one young Swedish boy named Emil, Alexandra’s little brother. Emil is distraught; his gray kitten was chased up a telegraph pole and has no way down. Emil and the shivering kitten wait for Alexandra to return. Upon her arrival, Alexandra disciplines her younger brother, then goes to find help. With the assistance of Carl Linstrum, a kind boy and neighbor to Alexandra’s family, the kitten is rescued. Alexandra then tells Carl, secretly, that their father is very sick and will most likely die soon. On their way back to their homes, Alexandra …show more content…
Hanover is in the middle of a drought, causing some people to give up their farmland because they simply cannot pay for it. Alexandra’s brothers, who have never been enthusiastic about the farm become more discouraged when they hear their neighbors, the Linstrums, are giving up their land. The boys try to convince Alexandra to give up the farm. Alexandra and her mother both wish to stay where they are and persevere instead of running away from their problems; they know their father would want them to keep the farm. Alexandra tells her family that she is going to visit the river country, hoping to trade in their homestead for land close to the river, only if the deal is a good one. The five days Alexandra and Emil spend in the river country only grows Alexandra’s passion and love for her land. Alexandra realizes the land in which they live on now is where they need to stay. At a family meeting, Alexandra proposes the idea of taking out a second mortgage and buying more …show more content…
Emil’s old friend Marie visits him and they talk for a while about the wedding between Amedee and Angelique.
Emil and Marie visit Alexandra years after for dinner at her house. Alexandra has not changed much at all and it is quite obvious, by looking at her physical appearance, that she spends her days outside. That Sunday, while Emil is at Amedee’s wedding, Alexandra is accompanied by Oscar, Lou, and their families for dinner. After dinner, Carl Linstrum makes an unannounced stop at Alexandra’s home. Alexandra is surprised at how little Carl has changed. Alexandra and Carl spend a few days together, enjoying each others company. One night Alexandra suggests they should visit the Shabatas’ for a night. After Alexandra and Carl leave, the reader learns about the relationship between Marie and her spouse, Frank. Marie’s father did not wish for Marie to marry Frank, believing he was unfit. Eventually Marie’s father gives in and buys the couple the land that Carl Linstrum used to own. One day, while Emil is out at a fair with Amedee and her new husband, Alexandra has a talk with her two sons, Lou and Oscar. The two sons believe that Carl is trying to get money out of his relationship with Alexandra. After Carl meets with the two boys, he announces he will leave the next