Ivy Wilson Quotes

Pa said, "We’re thankful to you folks."
"We’re proud to help," said Wilson.
"We’re beholden to you," said Pa.
"There’s no beholden in a time of dying," said Wilson, and Sairy echoed him, "Never no beholden."

– John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 13. Ivy and Sairy Wilson offer dignity and a deathbed to the dying Grampa Joad. The Wilsons are selfless and kind people who believe in supporting other families in a time of need. They take Grampa into their tent and lay him on a mattress as he suffers a stroke.

Wilson walked near for the last words. "We can’t go, folks," he said. "Sairy’s done up. She got to res’. She ain’t gonna git acrost that desert alive." They were silent at his words.

– John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 18. Ivy Wilson tells the Joads that he and his wife won’t be traveling further with them as Sairy is too ill to make it across the desert. This is a blow to concept of the larger family unit that the Joads and Wilsons formed while traveling the road together.

"I ain’t a-gonna do it," Wilson said. "I’ll git mean if you try."
Ma took the two bills from Pa’s hand. She folded them neatly and put them on the ground and placed the pork pan over them. "That’s where they’ll be," she said. "If you don’ get ’em, somebody else will."

– John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 18. Before the Joads continue their journey and leave the Wilsons behind, the Joads generously offer them two dollar bills from their small savings and some pork and potatoes. Ivy Wilson refuses a number of times. But Ma Joad places the gift outside the Wilsons’ tent and the Joads depart.
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