"The Leader of the People" by John Steinbeck - Research Paper Example

Just then, Jody’s father Carl Tiffin arrives on the ridge with a letter in his hand for Jody which was sent by his maternal grandfather. As Jody’s mother read the letter it gets revealed that grandfather who stays in Monterey will be arrived at their place where he will be staying for a while. However, the letter had arrived late which made Carl angry as he got last minute notification of grandfather’s impending arrival. He complained that grandfather only talks to which his wife retorted that he also does so.

To prevent Jody from being witness to the quarrel, Carl sent him out of the house although he continues to listen from the window. Carl then argued that grandfather only repeats one story continuously like how he was driving a wagon across the plains when the Indian drove his horse away, “he just goes on and on, and he never changes a word in the things he tells” (Steinbeck). However, Jody’s mother tries to explain that it was one of the greatest events of her father’s life. Carl got frustrated and walked out of the house after grudging that he would better stay with Billy for as long as grandfather will be staying in their house.

Contrary to Carl, Jody was eagerly waiting for his grandfather’s arrival and becomes evident from the fact that he waits on the road to greet his grandfather. Finally, he could see a cart stopping. Instantly, he becomes excited and runs towards it but slows down to adopt a dignified walk when he came closer to his grandfather. His grandfather appeared to be a man of “granite dignity” and walked with slow steps. In a old fashioned manner he greeted his grandson by waving his hat. Jody immediately asks him whether he will agree to help with the mouse that he was planning.

Soon after, Jody’s parents along with Billy came out to greet the grandfather. Billy was particularly fond of the grandfather since the latter respects him