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.