How does the turtle in the third chapter of the Grapes of wrath symbolize the joads family?

Question

How does the turtle in the third chapter of the Grapes of wrath symbolize the joads family?

Answer 1

It's a metaphor for for the farmers whose struggles are recounted in the novel. The dangers to the turtle are modernization and business. The cars and the building of the highways endanger the turtle since it can be crushed by the cars passing on the highway. The truck that ends up striking the turtle symbolizes big business and commerce.