Chapters 27-30: The Ghost of Tom Joad

In Tom saying "Well, maybe like Casy says, a fella ain't got a soul of his own, but on'y a piece of a big one - an' then it don't matter. Then I'll be all aroun' in the dark. I'll be ever'where - whereever you look. Whereever they's a fight so hungry people can eat, I'll be there. Whereever they's a cop beatin' up a guy, I'll be there. If Casy knowed, why, I'll be in the way guys yell when they're mad an' - I'll be in the way kids laugh when they're hungry an' they know supper's ready. An' when our folks eat the stuff they raise an' live in the houses they build - why, I'll be there. See?"  he is showing that even though he is gone his spirit and ideas will live on through the lives of others.  By the end of the book, Tom stands up for what he truly believes in which is protection for the little guy.  He wants to ensure that no matter what happens or what the situation, the right thing will be done.  He knows that due to the goodness of people that the poor, hungry, and ill will be taken care of by those who have enough to share.  I believe that Tom feels this way largely due to his mother who has all made sure to help those in need no matter how little the family has.  Tom has come to the conclusion that the migrants will make their lives better for themselves.  He shows through his actions and words that he truly believes that the people can strive for and reach the American Dream.  This shows a clear difference in the leadership of the poor and the rich.  With the rich,  whoever has the most material possessions will be the man in charge.  With the poor, it is extremely different.  It does not depend on the amount of things you have, but it depends on the amount of character a man has.  If a man is able to hold true to his integrity and hold a bright outlook on life, he will be the true leader of the people.  This is what keeps the poor going and what gives Tom faith in society.  he knows that the large majority of those less fortunate in America will stick to their morals and eventually come out on top of the deepest depths of the problems they are having.  

Chapters 21-26: What Jail Taught a Preacher

Casy realized that people can make a difference.  While in jail the situation with the beans opened Casy's eyes to see that there is a possibility to make a difference.  He saw that only one person who fights against what they know is wrong will not make a difference, but when people come together for a common purpose it can change things in a big way.  Perhaps the situation with the beans was not that big of a deal to the reader or the other characters in the book, but it was life changing for Casy.  When Tom talks to Casy for the first time after he was in jail, there is a clear difference in Casy's demeanor and attitude.  It appears that Casy is a much more outspoken person and is not fearful of saying what is on his mind.  Casy has been a talker throughout the book, but his arguments and speeches appear to carry much more weight and make much more sense after his eyes were opened in the jail.  The idea that Casy has of people coming together to achieve a goal is very important to the rest of the novel.  It expresses the entire idea of changing your life for the better.  The time Casy spent in jail made him notice that there is a possibility of making your situation better.  If the families come together and stand up for their rights they can make a change.  This is why Casy joined the group of people protesting because he has found a cause that he is passionate about fighting for.  He wants the workers to be treated fair, and he wants to keep the American Dream alive.    

Chapters 17-20: Life in Hooverville

Life in the Hoovervilles is quite a shock for all of the Joads.  The Joads are a proud people and they are not used to having to lowering their living standards so much.  Even though they are around people that are described a "bull-simple" the Joads have the ability to uphold the integrity of their character.  This is exemplified perfectly at the scene with the stewpot.  Ma is cooking the last of their meat for the family to eat.  As she starts to cook, children start to gather due to the aroma of the cooking food.  Ma is type of person that no matter how little she has there is always enough to share with others.  So instead of turning the children away, she tells them all to grab their spoons and come back for a taste of the stew.  This shows how even though the conditions are rough the Joads and especially Ma are never below helping others.  As the situation with the police arises, this togetherness in the Hooverville is seen again.  Ma says, "We're the people that live. They ain't gonna wipe us out. Why, we're the people - we go on."  She is showing the drive that she has, and this drive that she has has the ability to push the family onward.  She showing how all across America at this time people are coming together to rise up against the oppression from a corrupt law enforcement.  She is showing that no matter what goes wrong or what could go wrong, the people are coming together as one to fight for better lives.