Character Analysis Of Tom Joad In The Grapes Of Wrath

John Steinbeck’s protagonist Tom Joad acts as a prime example of a flawed and naturally human character in The Grapes of Wrath. Throughout the novel, Tom faces massive character growth as he sheds his “carpe diem” lifestyle and takes on a concern for humanity. This change displays the growth in Tom’s leadership abilities and his ability to nurture the strength of his family. Tom’s actions and reactions throughout the course of the novel build off of one another, as he undergoes both a physical and mental journey. From the beginning of the novel, when Tom has just been released on parole, he does not feel any regret for killing a man. When Jim Casy asks Tom what he had done, Tom replies, “I’d do what I done--again. I killed a guy in a fight” (35). Tom’s morals justify the killing because he does not know any better. In fact, when describing his act of homicide, Tom takes on a bragging tone and shows no regrets. This displays Tom’s inability to find value in human life as he only cares for himself. If Tom would have been more ashamed of his actions, he would not be so quick to tell about them, but as he cares only for himself, Tom speaks of the murder and his time in McAlester often. His nonchalance …show more content…
While attempting to return home, Tom convinces a truck driver to give him a ride. Originally, the driver says no and points out a sticker that says "No Riders". However, Tom, employing his charm, replies, "... But sometimes a guy 'll be a good guy even if some rich bastard makes him carry a sticker" (11). By saying this, Tom causes an appeal to pathos within the driver. The use of the contrasting ideas of a "good guy" and a "rich bastard" cause strong emotion within the driver because the connotation attached to being a rich bastard is negative. Naturally, people would rather be cast in a positive light than a negative one, so the driver gives him and grants Tom a