The Grapes of Wrath Page #11

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TOM:

(after a silence)

Ma. Pa.

(They move toward the

cabin with him)

Grampa, his eyes hurt and hunted and

frightened and bewildered, scratches

in the dirt.

GRAMPA:

(loudly)

And can't nobody *make* me go, either!

Ain't nobody here *man* enough to

make me! I'm a-stayin'.

All watch him worriedly.

INSIDE THE CABIN:

TOM:

Either we got to tie him up and

*throw* him on the truck, or somepin.

He can't stay here.

PA:

Can't tie him. Either we'll hurt him

or he'll git so mad he'll hurt his

self.

(After thought)

Reckon we could git him *drunk*?

TOM:

Ain't no whisky, is they?

MA:

Wait. There's a half a bottle a

soothin' sirup here.

(In the trash in the

corner)

It put the chillun to sleep.

TOM:

(tasting it)

Don't taste bad.

MA:

(looking in the pot)

And they's some coffee here. I could

fix him a cup...

TOM:

That's right. And douse some in it.

PA:

(watching)

Better give him a good 'un. He's

awful bull-headed.

Ma is already pouring coffee into a can as GRAMPA is seen.

GRAMPA:

(mumbling defiantly)

If Muley can scrabble along, I can

do it too.

(Suddenly sniffing)

I smell spareribs. Somebody been

eatin' spareribs? How come I ain't

got some?

MA:

(from the door)

Got some saved for you, Grampa. Got

'em warmin' now. Here's a cuppa

coffee.

GRAMPA:

(taking the cup)

Awright, but get me some a them

spareribs, too. Get me a whole mess

of 'em. I'm hongry.

He drinks the coffee. Pa and Tom watch him. He notices

nothing. He takes another dram of the coffee.

GRAMPA:

(amiably)

I shore do like spareribs.

He drinks again.

The scene dissolves to the TRUCK. It is just after dawn. Pa,

Tom, and Noah are lifting Grampa into the truck. He mumbles

angrily, but is unconscious of what is happening.

PA:

(fretfully)

Easy, *easy!* You wanta bust his

head wide open? Pull his arms, John.

GRAMPA:

(mumbling)

Ain't a-goin', thas all...

PA:

Put somepin' over him, so he won't

git sun-struck.

(Looking around)

Ever'body set now?

(A chorus of responses)

Awright, Al, letta go!

The engine rattles and roars shakily. Grinning with

excitement, Pa sits down and pats Grampa clumsily.

PA:

You be awright, Grampa.

The truck starts to move heavily. Casy stands watching it.

CASY:

Good-by, an' good luck.

PA:

Hey, wait! Hold 'er, Al!

(The car stops)

Ain't you goin' with us?

CASY:

(after a pause)

I'd like to. There's somethin'

happenin' out there in the wes' an'

I'd like to try to learn what it is.

If you feel you got the room...

He stops politely. Pa looks from one face to the other in

the truck--a swift, silent canvass--and though no one speaks

or gives any other sign, Pa knows that the vote is yes.

PA:

(heartily)

Come on, get on, plenty room!

OMNES:

Sure, come on, Casy, plenty room!

Quickly he climbs aboard. The truck rattles into motion again.

PA:

(excitedly)

Here we go!

TOM:

(grinning)

California, here we come!

As they all look back the deserted CABIN is seen from the

departing truck.

Now we see the FAMILY IN THE TRUCK, as it snorts and rattles

toward the road--a study of facial expressions as the Joad

family look back for the last time at their home. Connie and

Rosasharn, whispering, giggling, and slappings, are oblivious

of the event. Ruthie and Winfield are trembling with

excitement. But Tom's and Pa's smiles have disappeared, and

all the men are gazing back thoughtfully and soberly, their

minds occupied with the solemnity of this great adventure.

In the FRONT SEAT OF THE TRUCK. Al is driving. Granma is

already dozing. Ma looks steadily ahead.

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