Chapter 22

John Steinbeck views human nature as a dark and desolate and depressing object, with only a few glimmers of hope. In the book, The Grapes of Wrath, the inhumanity of man towards man on the great journey of the migrants. However, there is a sense of hope. Their main hope for surviving is in each other. Together, the migrants have a chance. They protect each other, care for each other, love each other, and fight for each other. This is what keeps them going on their long journey. This is their glimmer of hope in a depressing and desolate era of darkness. 102

In chapter twenty two, one can see their bondage together, and see how the migrants help each other and care for each other. When the Joad family enters the large government camp, they are greeted by a friendly camp owner. They are told some of the rules, and they settle down for the night. In the daytime, young Tom Joad wakes up early smelling a delicious breakfast. "When the smell of the biscuits struck the air both of the men inhaled deeply. The younger said, 'Kee-rist!' softly. Now the older man said to Tom, 'Had you breakfast?' 'Well, no, I ain't. But my folks is over there. They ain't up. Need the sleep.' 'Well, set down with us, then. We got plenty--tank God!' 'Why, thank ya,' Tom said. 'Smells so darn good I couln' say no.'" 240

Later, the men Tom Joad meets give him some friendly advice, and take him to get some work. "'You got work now,' Tom suggested. 'Yeah, but it ain't gonna las' long. Workin' for a nice fella. Got a little place. Works 'longside of us. But, hell--it ain't gonna as' no time.' Tom said, 'Why in hell you gonna git me on? I'll make it shorter. Whay you cuttin' your own throat for?' Timothy shook his hed slowly 'I dunno. Got no sene, I guess. We figgered to get us each a hat. Can't do it, I guess. There's the place, off to the right there. Nice job, too. Gettin' thirty cents an hour. Nice frien'ly fella to work for.'" This passage shows how the people moving to California and other western states helped each other, giving each other hope.