“I got thinkin’ how we was holy when we was one thing, an’ mankin’ was holy when it was one thing. An’ it on’y got unholy when one mis’able little fella got the bit in his teeth an’ run off his own way, kickin’ an’draggin’ an’ fightin’. Fella like that bust the holi-ness. But when they’re all workin’ together, not one fella for another fella, but one fella kind of harnessed to the whole shebang.”
Read in chapter 8, when Tom Joad and Jim Casy arrive to Uncle John’s farm after the Joad’s ask Casy to say grace. While hesitant, these are the words spoken by Jim. They speak largely to the philosophy that governs the entire novel. Both Casy and Tom put these words into practice as they fight for the rights of the oppressed and less fortunate.
“The last clear definite function of man – muscles aching to work, minds aching to create beyond the single need – this is man. To build a wall, to build a house, a dam, and in the wall and house and dam to put something of Manself, and to Manself take back something of the wall, the house the dam; to take hard muscles from the lifting, to take the clear lines and form from conceiving. For man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments.”
This quote exemplifies the lofty tone found in the intercalary chapters used to build up the story of the Joads. It adopts a near biblical tenor and showcases moral simplicity – man toils, and because of his labor, evolves as a person.
Key Facts
Major Conflict
During the depression-era, a drought forces farmers to travel to California in search of work. This causes a rift between property owners and migrant workers. The story of Tom Joad depicts that conflict between ‘I’ and “We” and the struggle to put the needs of others over the safety of one’s self.
Rising Action
Upon his release from prison, Tom resolves to keep to himself. However, after meeting Jim Casy, he finds himself drawn to the path of the holiness of human beings and the workers’ movement.
Climax
Jim Casy is murdered by a policeman, Tom murders the policeman in revenge and becomes a fugitive. He then devotes himself to continuing Jim’s cause to champion better working conditions.
Falling Action
Theme
The inhumanity that man extends to other man; Wrath meaning; The saving grace of family and spiritual belief; The true effect of selfishness and philanthropy.
