California - The family has crossed to border to the 'promised land' and their first act must be to provide Granma with a pauper's burial.

They meet Floyd Knowles, who explains the tactics of police brutality as well as the leaflets that brought them there - 'You can print a hell of a lot of han'bills with what ya save payin' fifteen cents an hour for fiel' work.'

The cops bust anyone who complains. Labels them a communist, imprisons them or worse. No-one cares for dead 'vagrants' in California.

Later a man arrives, who offers little for needed fruit pickers. Floyd tries to organize the poor. The cops try to arrest him. He escapes with the help of Tom and Casy, who trip the cop (who shoots a woman onlooker). Tom runs and Casy turns himself in to save his friend. The cops burn down the 'Hooverville' in retaliation.

Grapes of Wrath Plot summary Chapters 11- 20