Community spirit

Community plays a large role in Steinbeck’s, “The grapes of Wrath.” Originally the Joad family was apart of a tightly knit community where families have spent generations on one plot of land. The Joad family wasn’t ready to remove their roots, but they were not willing to stay and become as obsessed like Muley who can’t seem to let go.
Even before the Joad family sets off for California they allow Casy to go with them, showing how the family already recognizes that it isn’t just blood that matters to a group of people. Through out the endless miles the Joad family crossed, the Joad’s remained courteous and nice, never accepting charity or hand-outs, refusing to be seen as bums. This can be seen at various points, such as the fake Shell gas station. The Joad’s made sure to pay for their supplies. Another example is when Tom is speaking with the one eyed man. While he was harsh with the man Tom still encouraged the man to move, to try and get to a better station in life.
Then there is the Wilsons, fellow travelers of the road. Both the Joad’s and the Wilson’s were in the same situation, in desperate need of help. Without the two families help, neither family would have gotten far, as the Joad’s car could have very well broken down in the mountains or how much care the Wilson’s gave to the Joad’s by allowing Granpa Joad to be buried in the Wilson’s tent. Before the families have the unfortunate misfortune to split paths the two families seem as one.
If there is one moment to summarize the families view on community, it can be seen when Casy and Tom first meet. Casy is speaking of the time he spent in the wilderness when he says, “Maybe all men got one big soul ever’body’s a part of.” This simple statement shows how the government camp functioned without any trouble, or why the Joad family always lends a helping hand to any one in need. By the time the journey is over, no longer is the family concerned about themselves, but for everyone.