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.