When the dike breaks and the stream floods, Al's immediate concern is

When the dike breaks and the stream floods, Al's immediate concern is

• A. Aggie
• B. Rose
• C. His car
• D. Ma

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how a character prioritizes resources under pressure and what a tangible asset represents in a migrant family's journey. When the dike breaks and water rushes in, Al focuses first on the car because it is more than just transportation—it is the family’s movable home and primary means of continuing their journey. The car holds their belongings, potential shelter, and their future mobility; keeping it safe means they can avoid being stranded and can press on toward California. Aggie isn’t the focal point in this moment, Rosasharn’s safety, while important, isn’t what Al notices first, and Ma’s well-being is understood but not the immediate action he takes. The scene highlights Al’s practical instinct to protect the lifeline that makes escape and survival possible.

The key idea is how a character prioritizes resources under pressure and what a tangible asset represents in a migrant family's journey. When the dike breaks and water rushes in, Al focuses first on the car because it is more than just transportation—it is the family’s movable home and primary means of continuing their journey. The car holds their belongings, potential shelter, and their future mobility; keeping it safe means they can avoid being stranded and can press on toward California.

Aggie isn’t the focal point in this moment, Rosasharn’s safety, while important, isn’t what Al notices first, and Ma’s well-being is understood but not the immediate action he takes. The scene highlights Al’s practical instinct to protect the lifeline that makes escape and survival possible.