Blog #9-Analysis of Tom Joad (The Grapes of Wrath)

Tom Joad is one of the main characters in the novel. He is probably one of my favorite characters because he possesses many qualities a good character in a story needs. He starts out as a very mysterious character. The reader first notices his mysteriousness when he first meets the truck driver in the very beginning of the story.  His clothes were so new, even his cap, yet he was sitting on the running board of a truck trying to hitch a ride with the driver (Steinbeck 6). When Tom started down the long, dusty road to his home, he picked up a turtle. Turning the turtle over and over in his hands and placing it gently in his coat (Steinbeck 18) the reader begins to wonder the significance of the turtle, as well as why Tom picks the turtle up to bring home. As the family starts their journey to California, the reader begins to see how much of a family person Tom really is. The reader learns that Tom was in jail because when he was drunk he made a bad decision to beat someone, and was forced by law, not his own will, to leave his family. Even Tom (Steinbeck 83) recalled that when you are gone for four years, a lot of things can change. Tom is a smart person. He has a lot of common knowledge and also a lot of common sense. He likes to take chances when they are given to him. For example (Steinbeck 105) Tom suggests that the family should start moving at dawn instead of waiting around for the night to come. He is a big help to the family because he knows many things about cars. Even though Al is the car expert of the family, Tom knows how to fix any situation given the materials that they have and the money they have. You can tell throughout the story that Tom is a fighter. He fights for what he believes is right and he perseveres through anything, which makes him a relate able character. An example of his strength on (Steinbeck 419) shows that Tom takes one for the family. He went to save his friend Casey, which put him in danger with the law because he had crossed the state borders. Although he is in danger he stills helps his family, and he is strong, he never gives up and figures out a solution so he can go with his family. I think that Tom is a very independent and strong-willed character which is why he is my favorite.

Bibliographic Citation: Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. Los Gatos, California. Viking Press. 1939