In “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck, the character of Tom Joad takes the position of main protagonist throughout the Joads’ journey across America and during their stay in California. Initially a mild-mannered, upfront, daring, and at times reckless young man, Tom evolves into a responsible, respectable, and mature alpha among the Joad’s dissimilar brood. Early on in the story, Tom introduces himself to both the reader and a disgruntled truck driver as a grizzled murder convict with little restraint for what he has to say. He reveals that he has killed someone and would do it again in similar circumstances. To this the driver responds with careful nervousness, hinting that he is perhaps slightly intimidated by Tom. It is unclear whether or not Tom intends to intimidate the man but what is certain is that his frank words have an unsettling effect. Despite Tom’s initial developments, he is shown to be a rather kind individual. For example, in a later interaction with Timothy and Wilkie Wallace in the Weedpatch government camp, Tom is very friendly and the Wallaces are happy to be in his company. Tom compliments their food, asks more about them, and politely inquires about work. …show more content…
At first, Tom looks out for himself and lives in the moment. However, upon reuniting with his family, he quickly realizes his position at the head of his kin and takes the initiative to drive the jalopy for the first leg of the journey. Along the way, Tom and his brothers are forced to bury their late grandfather who has died of a stroke. Tom, instead of taking a back seat to the service, spearheads it and actually writes the makeshift obituary for grandpa. Tom seems much more mature during this event than many others throughout the story. He is calm and serious as a strong leader should be during trying