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.