Why has Tom been in jail? What does this say about his character?

What has happened to Tom's home when he returns? How widespread is this issue?

Where do Tom and his family go and why? Who goes with them?

Why do Tom and the Joads decide to take the trip?

What kinds of information do Tom and his family hear along the way?

When the Joad family arrives, what do they find?

Who dies along the way on the Joads' trip? How are these deaths important to the story?

What happens to Connie? How does this relate to the theme of family?

How does Casy die?

What is Tom's goal when he leaves the family?