Towards the conclusion of The Grapes of Wrath, the main character Tom Joad reminisces the philosophy of his departed companion, Jim Casy to his mother, Ma Joad. He states, "Says one time he went out in the wilderness to find his own soul, an' he foun' he didn't have no soul that was his'n. Says he foun' he just got a little piece of a great big soul. Says a wilderness ain't no good 'less it was with the rest, an' was whole. Funny how I remember. Didn' think I was even listenin'. But I know now a fella ain't no good alone. (535)" This renowned quote demonstrates how Tom transformed into a man that no longer focuses his energy on the present moment. Instead realizes his responsibility to his fellow man.
In John Steinbeck's novel, the Joad's migrate west to the promising land of California. It was no easy ride they were constantly challenged by many obstacles that seemed to encounter them on their way there.
English: John Steinbeck
Ma Joad and Tom Joad discuss Tom's future.
Ma and Tom Joad. Note Tom's scar on his left cheek...But from incident to incident they learned that they must help out their fellow humans in order to be fraction of this great big soul. Truly the connection between human-to-human is superior than the bond between a man and his land. Meanwhile the wilderness is futile without the men who inhabit it.
When the Joads eventually arrive to California, they reside in camps next to other refugees, who share the same motive of relocating. Ma Joad then fixes dinner and soon attract mobs of children asking for food. After feeding her family, she hands over the scarce leftover of stew, in which the children devour. Depicted, the paucity of food forces her to make choice of selfishness for the family or generosity toward the larger community. Nevertheless, Ma Joad looks at the needs...