What do you think Steinbeck means when he writes in instant Juana knew that the old life was gone for ever Chapter 5?

In Chapter 5 of John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath," when Steinbeck writes that "in that instant Juana knew that the old life was gone forever," he signifies a profound realization within the character. It suggests that Juana, through an intuitive moment of clarity, recognizes an irrevocable shift has occurred in her life-one from which there is no way of retreating or returning.

This passage marks a pivotal point in the novel, as the Joad family embarks on their journey westward from Oklahoma during the great Depression. The phrase implies that they will encounter challenges throughout their travels and can never regain their former way of life.

Through this passage, Steinbeck highlights the harsh realities of loss and transformation during tough economic times. The idea conveyed here relates to themes of change, the inevitable passage of time, and an irreversible turning point in the character's lives, signifying that what once was can never entirely be recovered, and they must press forward, even as their way of life crumbles and changes.