The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 15 summary

What happens

1. Kentucky and Pug enter a dressing station where doctors treat a continuous stream of muddy, wounded men.
2. A doctor says Kentucky faces hand amputation and gives Pug only a slight chance of survival.
3. Kentucky repeatedly misses evacuation opportunities to comfort Pug while other casualties exchange uncertain battle reports and stories about Tanks.
4. Shells strike nearby, evacuation efforts intensify, and Pug dies after asking Kentucky to keep his German helmet.
5. Kentucky leaves by ambulance, passing battlefield casualties, advancing troops, and enormous stores of military supplies.
6. He reaches hospital transport and England, carrying memories of gunfire and hymn verses that affect his personal plans.

In this chapter

What to notice

Pug’s final reassurance directs comfort toward Kentucky rather than himself. It closes their conversation with care and steadiness despite his fatal injuries.

Quick check