Which event prompts Tom Joad to leave his family?

• A. He is forced to go into hiding after killing a neighbor.
• B. He retaliated after Casy was killed and struck another man, prompting him to flee.
• C. He is jailed for stealing.
• D. He marries and moves away.

Answer: (B)

Tom Joad’s decision to leave his family is driven by a turning point that follows Jim Casy’s death. When Casy is killed during a confrontation, Tom reacts by striking back at the man responsible. That act puts Tom in danger with the law, so he chooses to flee to avoid bringing his family into trouble. The impulse to protect them and the need to escape punishment after the killing is the moment that truly prompts him to leave.