The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 2 summary

What happens

1. A gunner explains that irregular nighttime salvos prevent Germans from repairing wire damaged during daylight.
2. The men discuss food, casualties, and messages to loved ones, turning their fear of death into jokes.
3. The sleepers grow so accustomed to the guns that a brief silence wakes them.
4. Around midnight, sudden rifle and machine-gun fire prompts debate about whether an attack begins.
5. Arundel and Kentucky go outside, watch the batteries firing, and take cover when shells burst nearby.
6. As firing eases, Kentucky questions Arundel’s description of war as a game, but Arundel remains certain their side is better.

In this chapter

What to notice

Larry acknowledges danger but treats battle as a contest with a deserved winner. Kentucky’s questions expose the certainty behind this view.

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