Character Analysis Of Tom Joad In John Steinbeck's Grapes Of Wrath

The shift from an independent, self-concerned character, to one of forethought and communally orientated is a common occurrence in fiction works. This notion is also known as a dynamic character, “a literary or dramatic character who undergoes an important inner change, as a change in personality or attitude.” In John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, almost every character undergoes a change and attitude shift from “I” to “we”, but each does so in a different manner. Tom Joad is the focus of a great majority of of the novel, and is ever-changing from the moment he is introduced, to his conclusion, while on the contrary, Reverend Jim Casy’s shift is quite apparent to readers. Tom Joad is first introduced in the very early chapters of the novel

For some characters in the novel a certain experience can produce a change, but for others, like Joad, a gradual difference is made through the entirety of the novel. Some philosophers? Consider recognition of ones faults or flaws as the first step towards change. This could be applicable to Tom Joad, who says roughly halfway through the book, “‘Goddamn it!’ Tom cried, ‘How’d I know? I’m jus’ puttin’ one foot in front a the other. I done it at Mac for four years, jus’ marchin’ in cell an’ out cell an’ in mess an’ out mess. Jesus Christ, I thought I’d be somepin different when I come out!’” (173). This quote is a look at Tom’s inner struggle on becoming aware of his mentality and wishing to change it. As the family continues Westward they encounter many different kinds of examples of communities, and people who represent communal ideas : from the Wilson family to Weedpatch. In each situation Tom is shifting his mindset to focusing on the ‘We’, those around him and the future. One specific example demonstrating Joad’s moral adjustments comes towards the conclusion of the book. Tom Joad is in hiding, due to his sister revealing that he killed a man in his past. Ma Joad comes to check up on him after not seeing him for some time, and he discloses to her that he has been pondering Jim Casy’s ideals and teachings, lately. Tom voices his thoughts to his mother by saying, “Wherever they’s a fight so

As previously discussed, Tom transforms gradually. Casy is in a different situation, where he is already very community focused and often puts others first. The difference between the two characters is made obvious by Steinbeck, and could be attributed to the parts of life that each was at when they were first introduced. This meaning, Tom was introduced as coming straight from prison, while Casy stumbles upon Tom after spending a large amount of time in solitude solely reflecting on matters. Nevertheless, there is one specific situation where Casy’s selfless ideals and made clear. This comes when Tom gets himself into some trouble with the law, but Casy realizes if Tom gets caught they will know that he came from prison and will be sent right back. “Casy grinned at him. ‘Somebody got to take the blame. I got no kids. They’ll jus’ put me in jail, an’ I ain’t doin’ nothin’ but set aroun’.’” (265-266). Casy forethought and relieved the Joad family of what would have been a rough loss, all at his own personal cost. Reverend Jim Casy’s specific action exemplified a selfless