One of the continuing themes that reoccur throughout the novel that is very prevalent is social unity. Starting with Tom Joad in the beginning chapters. He has shown his ability to create a relationship with someone even after the fact that he was in prison. When he comes across Jim Casy for the first time in years, he brings him along his journey and creates a friendly relationship with him. Not only Tom Joad, but the rest of his family shows social unity through this hard time period. Although neighbors are going against each other for their own survival, there is still a present unity between the farmers and their families.
In chapter thirteen–when the Joad family meets the Wilson’s–there is a strong sign of social unity. Both families do not have much belongings or money, but they still share with each other. Two examples being: When the Joad’s Grampa dies, the Wilson’s give their quilt to the Joad’s so they can properly bury him. The Wilson’s make a deal with the Joad’s to travel to California in their car. From the beginning, the Joad’s and Wilson’s have had a sense of social unity.
“You won’t be no burden. Each’ll help each, an’ we’ll all git to California. Sairy Wilson he’ped lay Grampa out.” is a quote that Ma said when she was telling the Wilson’s that they should stick together, because they showed kindness. Ma knows that they could create a good relationship with the Wilson’s, and hopefully make it to California together, and easier.
There are many different scenes and messages that Steinbeck presents to the readers and one important message is: in difficult times, there are still beauty in people and their morality. Each one of the characters have had to face harsh reality, and choose to either travel alone, or come together and create social unity.
Great American Novels 