The cat that got away....

During one of the chapters Al tries to run over a cat, but misses and the cat runs off unharmed. Could the cat getting away from the car perhaps symbolize something?

ANIMALS

What is with people swerving to hit animals??? Turtles, cats, dogs, then at the end of chapter 18 a rattlesnake...... WHY???

This was cool

I thought that the link to the actual dust storm footage was pretty neat! It's amazing to think of having to live in all of that dust!

Does anyone else think that the Wilson's are going to be significant later in the novel? Would Steinbeck randomly just throw these people in with the Joads, only for them to be of little significance or importance to the overall progress of the plot?

Noah

What is the purpose of Noah leaving the family when they get into California? This is around the beginning of chapter 18. Noah just says he can't go on and that he wants to stay by the river. Is it supposed to signify that California is bad for the family? Noah wasn't even a main character. He didn't further the plot any even when he was with the family. What is the purpose of his leaving?

Dust Bowl Women

So does anyone have any theories as to what may be wrong with Mrs. Joad? Before they left the house the Mr. Casy alluded to the fact that she looked sick, and then when she walks into the bedroom Steinbeck takes great care to describe the change in Mrs. Joad's body. Do you think she is really sick or just tired?