Living Conditions
In the novel the Joad’s experience both living in the Weedpatch and Hooverville. When the Joad’s arrive in California they settle in Hooverville where the people are governed by the “I” mentality. Hooverville is more unorganized and dysfunctional, whereas in the Weedpatch a camp supported by the Government is the exact opposite. However, the people in the Weedpatch have to pay rent and if they don't have the money they are allowed to work off their rent.
While in Hooverville the Joad’s witness how disconnected the people are out of fear of being placed on the blacklist. When Ma makes the stew for her family shed notices the hungry children in which she feeds them the leftovers. Hooverville is full of govern stricken families living in filth with no work. As Ma feed the starving children she recognizes her role when there which is a provider. To provide for others when she can because that is what connects her to the her people.
When the Joads leave Hooverville they go to the Weedpatch where they find living conditions much better. They are more welcomed and though the pay is low Tom finds a job. However, the Joad’s soon realize that the Weedpatch is no different because they still find themselves struggle for better wages and work. There was a moment in the novel where supplies where so scarce that Ma had to use the water in the toilet as hot water to wash dishes.
In an interview Hattye Shield describes her families journey from Oklahoma to San Joaquin Valley. In the interview Shiels talks about the Weedpatch and how many people did not agree with all the restriction place in the camp.”But its hard for people who are very independent people to be told that at a certain time of night you do this…and nobody can wash except now, “(Gannon, 12). Shield’s also expressed that her families daily meals would just consist of potatoes biscuits and gravy. She explained that her father was not the only one that worked, but the whole family.
Work Cited
Shields, Hattye. "California Odyssey: The 1930s Migration to the Southern San Joaquin Valley." Personal interview. 24 May 1981. http://www.csub.edu/library/_files/DB_files/Shields209.pdf