Introduction
To a God Unknown is an ethereal story that takes place in well-known Steinbeck country. It explores one man’s struggle to comprehend the functions of God and the laws of his unconsciousness by controlling the powers of nature. The novel has 26 chapters and it will be divided into 7 chapters each.
Chapter 1- Joseph Wayne, a man with a hunger for land, approached his father to express his concerns about the limited land on their farm in Vermont due to his brother’s plans to marry. His father, John Wayne, initially tried to reassure him that the land would suffice, but eventually agreed to let Joseph go west to seek his own land. John Wayne believed Joseph had a strong and sure nature that made him suitable for this endeavor. Despite Joseph’s initial reluctance, he eventually left for California, feeling like a stranger in his own home. The narrative highlights the generational differences and the desire for independence and opportunity in the face of limited resources.
Chapter 2- Joseph arrives in the long valley called Nuestra Señora and records his homestead there. The valley is described as green and gold, with a river flowing through it and flanked by the coast range. The church and town of Our Lady are located near a pass in the hills at the southern end of the valley. Joseph encounters an old Mexican man on his way to Our Lady and tells him about his new homestead. Joseph feels a sense of excitement and connection to the land as he rides through the forest. He reflects on the past and his duty to remember it, but also feels a strong attachment to his new land. Joseph encounters a boar eating its own piglet and decides not to shoot it, realizing its importance for future generations. He continues riding along a trail and observes the formation of clouds and the unique characteristics of the landscape. Joseph reaches his tent and experiences a deep sense of ownership and desire for the land. He contemplates the need for a wife and feels a mixture of exhaustion and confusion. Joseph cooks supper, gazes at the stars, and feels a connection to the land as he listens to the sounds of nature. The chapter ends with the moon rising behind the eastern ridge.
Chapter 3- The chapter describes Joseph waiting for lumber wagons, eager for human contact after two weeks of solitude. The drivers arrive, and Joseph inspects the road, expressing confidence in its future quality. A conversation about building near trees ensues, highlighting Joseph’s preference for proximity to trees. The drivers settle for the night, engaging in banter and cooking over a fire. Romas shares a story of past dry years and subsequent abundance due to rain. The men discuss the revelry that followed the rain, with Father Angelo intervening to stop inappropriate behavior. Juanito shares insights on human behavior during times of extreme happiness. The chapter ends with a scene of Juanito comforting Willie, who suffers from nightmares, showcasing Juanito’s compassion and understanding.
Chapter 4- The chapter describes Joseph’s life on his new land, where he is building a house and starting a ranch. He is visited by Juanito, who offers to work for him without pay. Joseph receives a letter informing him of his father’s death and his brothers’ desire to move to the West. Joseph feels a sense of joy and kinship with the land after his father’s passing. He confides in Juanito about his belief that his father’s spirit resides in a tree on the property. Juanito, who reveals his indigenous heritage, shares similar beliefs about the connection between life and the earth. Despite these spiritual musings, Joseph decides to focus on practical matters and invites his brothers to join him in building a new community on the land.
Chapter 5- The chapter describes the four brothers, Thomas, Joseph, Burton, and Benjamin, along with their families. Thomas is depicted as a strong, animal-loving man who is more comfortable with animals than with humans. Joseph is the only person Thomas feels a connection with, while his wife, Rama, is a strong and efficient woman who understands Thomas well. Burton is portrayed as a religious man with poor health, ruling his wife with a firm hand. Benjamin, the youngest brother, is described as dissolute and undependable, often getting into trouble due to his charming yet helpless nature. Despite his flaws, everyone loves and protects Benjamin, ensuring he is cared for even when he causes trouble. The brothers move West together, with Benjy being taken care of by his siblings despite his irresponsible behavior.
Chapter 6- The chapter describes the Wayne family and their ranch, emphasizing Joseph’s role as the patriarch and leader of the clan. Joseph is portrayed as deeply connected to the land, animals, and fertility, with a strong desire for growth and increase. His obsession with fertility is highlighted through his interactions with the animals and his desire for more offspring. Joseph’s brother, Burton, tries to caution him about his behavior, but Joseph remains focused on his goal of increasing life on the land. The text also touches on the family dynamics, with Thomas and Juanito playing important roles in the operations of the ranch. The narrative showcases the family’s dedication to the land and their efforts to expand and improve their homestead. The family rides out to check on the new calves, highlighting their commitment to the ranch and their livelihood.
Juanito, Don Joseph, and Thomas are riding horses together when they hear a cowbell and go investigate. They come across a herd of red cows and two young calves. Thomas castrates the calves while their mothers watch. Joseph and Thomas have a conversation about hanging hawks and notching ears to keep track of calves. Joseph reveals that he does these things because of a blessing from their father and a feeling of safety. The men continue riding and eventually come across a glade with a large rock and a black bull. Joseph feels a sense of familiarity and holiness in the glade, while Juanito recalls his Indian mother bringing him there. Thomas becomes frightened and wants to leave, but Joseph reassures him that there is something good and nourishing in the glade. The men ride away, but Joseph suggests they may return to the glade in the future when they are in need.
Chapter 7- In Monterey, the harness-maker McGreggor is a fierce philosopher and a Marxist. McGreggor has a strained relationship with his daughter Elizabeth, who is determined and independent. Elizabeth decides to become a teacher and moves to a new town called Nuestra Señora. In Nuestra Señora, Elizabeth meets a man named Joseph Wayne, who expresses his desire to marry her. Elizabeth is initially unsure about Joseph and contemplates how to punish him for his lack of manners. The chapter ends with Elizabeth hearing a man singing outside her window and deciding not to go down to meet him.
To a God Unknown Chapter 8-14 Summary
To a God Unknown Chapter 15-21 Summary
To a God Unknown Chapter 22-26 Summary
