The Grapes of Wrath Chapter 22 Summary: The Weedpatch Camp

TLDRIn chapter 22 of The Grapes of Wrath, Tom and his family arrive at the government camp called the Weedpatch. They settle in and Tom finds work laying pipe with his new friends. The camp is self-governed and has its own regulations. The family deals with religious fanatics and reminisces about their home. Living conditions in the camp are better without police interference.

Key insights

🏕️The Joad family settles in the government camp called the Weedpatch, which offers them a place to stay.

🚧Tom finds work laying pipe with his new friends, despite the boss having to lower their wages.

👥The Weedpatch camp is a self-contained community governed by elected committee members.

🏞️Living conditions in the camp are better without police interference and established society.

🙏Religious fanatics attempt to control and manipulate the migrants through fear and guilt.

Q&A

What is the Weedpatch camp?

The Weedpatch camp is a government camp where the Joad family settles in chapter 22 of The Grapes of Wrath.

What kind of work does Tom find in the camp?

Tom finds work laying pipe with his new friends in the Weedpatch camp.

How is the Weedpatch camp governed?

The Weedpatch camp is governed by elected committee members who establish regulations for the community.

How are living conditions in the camp?

Living conditions in the camp are better without police interference and the constraints of established society.

What role do religious fanatics play in the camp?

Religious fanatics attempt to control and manipulate the migrants through fear, blaming them for their misfortunes.

Timestamped Summary

00:17The Joad family arrives at the Weedpatch camp, a government camp where they can stay.

00:41Tom finds work laying pipe with his new friends in the camp.

01:13The boss lowers their wages, but they reluctantly agree to work for twenty-five cents an hour.

02:06The camp is self-contained and governed by elected committee members.

02:31Living conditions in the camp are better without police interference.

02:53Religious fanatics attempt to control the migrants through fear and guilt.