*Travel Journal Letter A: Research On The 1930s Ch. 1-10

During the 1930s the major event that impacted the Great Depression was the Dust Bowl. From the powerful dust storms wrecking poor innocent families farms, this lead to a conflict with the farming industry. The regions where mainly all of the dust storms took place at were the dry lands of Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, and Texas. Later from the loss of rain, a drought occurred. The drought lead to winds picking up  dirt and sand which soon moved throughout the whole entire country. This caused farmers and their land to get destroyed and taken over by shovel loads of dust. All of the dust got heavily caked onto the farmer's crops that unfortunately lead to the farmland being destroyed. Not only were the dust storms harmful to the farmlands but they were also harmful to the people. The winds were so strong and fast that when the dirt and sand would hit people it would be painful to the skin. People in the 1930s dealt with these horrible dust storms on a daily basis and were ready for them in advance. Even though they knew what was coming they still could not protect their homes from being covered inside and out with piles of dust. It not only destroyed their land and homes but it destroyed their entire lives which lead them to make drastic measures such as moving westward into California.

Pictures:
Young Child
Dust Storm

Research:
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s
When the Dust Settled

Travel Journal Letter F: Themes Developing In The Novel Ch. 1-10

"Thought so. I seen your hands. Been swingin' a pick or an ax or a sledge. That shines up your hands. I notice all stuff like that. Take pride in it." (9)

This quote relates to the theme pride. Most workers during the Great Depression lost their jobs because of the economy failing. Since this event happened it took longer for people to find  a job. Also, there was a high demand for jobs making it hard for people to find one.This theme of pride comes into play so far in the novel because of Joad hiding his life and the fact that he has a job. The truck driver reminds him that he should "Take pride in it." because most people in that time period had a difficult time obtaining a job to survive and take car of their own families.

"Well, they been choppin' cotton, all of 'em, even the kids an' your grampa. Gettin' money together so they can shove on west." (46)

This quote relates to the themes community and family. The Great Depression caused farmers and there families to all work, especially after bank failures. Dust storms also destroyed farms and families decided to move west to recreate their lives and find jobs. The themes of community and family are shown throughout the novel so far by Joad finding out his family are working hard to move westward because the bank took over his father's farm. Community and family play a huge role because families, even children worked just to get enough money so that they were able to live and get by.