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Précis of Novel John Steinbeck’s classic, “The Grapes of Wrath,” begins while the novel’s most dynamic character is on his journey home. Tom Joad is a man who, after spending 4 years in prison under charges of manslaughter, is released from jail on parole. As he is heading home he has the fortune to happen up on the former reverend Jim Casey. Jim and Tom talk and reminisce about the past and then they both go to the old Joad homestead. However, both men are astounded to find that the Joad homestead and all other houses around are empty. Faced with the issue of having nowhere to stay, the two men’s luck prevail as the Joad’s former neighbor, Muley Graves, walks toward them. Muley tells the two men about the eviction of all the tenants and the cruel way that their houses have been plowed over. He also tells Tom that his family has been living with his uncle and plan to make a voyage to California to make a fresh start. The morning comes and Tom and Casey traverse the path to his uncle’s house. There he finds the family packing their few belongings in an effort to leave on their daunting trek across the country. The voyage to across the plains, desert, and mountains in a jalopy is long and hazardous.