The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 8 summary
Chapter 8 of 16 · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, the Stonewalls enter a ruined front line, endure shellfire, and attack the German trenches after British guns destroy much of the wire. Kentucky survives machine-gun fire and a close encounter with German riflemen, rejoins Pug, and discovers that Larry is missing as orders turn the survivors toward strengthening their position.
What happens
- The Stonewalls crowd into a damaged trench, where Pug studies the enemy position and the Sergeant reports an expected attack.
- Kentucky watches an artillery officer direct gunfire, then observes shells breaking apart the German wire.
- After heavy bombardment from both sides, the infantry advance and suffer severe losses under German rifle and machine-gun fire.
- Bombers silence a machine gun and kill three riflemen below Kentucky, allowing him to enter the German trench.
- Kentucky briefly follows a bombing party before answering a call to gather with C Company.
- He reunites with Pug, but Larry is missing, and orders to repair the trench interrupt their proposed search.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The sentence combines continued movement with visible losses. It marks the collapse of confidence that the bombardment leaves little resistance.
Quick check
Why does the bombing officer reject the grenade with cloth streamers?
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