Travel Journal Letter F: Themes Developing In The Novel Ch. 1-10

"Thought so. I seen your hands. Been swingin' a pick or an ax or a sledge. That shines up your hands. I notice all stuff like that. Take pride in it." (9)

This quote relates to the theme pride. Most workers during the Great Depression lost their jobs because of the economy failing. Since this event happened it took longer for people to find  a job. Also, there was a high demand for jobs making it hard for people to find one.This theme of pride comes into play so far in the novel because of Joad hiding his life and the fact that he has a job. The truck driver reminds him that he should "Take pride in it." because most people in that time period had a difficult time obtaining a job to survive and take car of their own families.

"Well, they been choppin' cotton, all of 'em, even the kids an' your grampa. Gettin' money together so they can shove on west." (46)

This quote relates to the themes community and family. The Great Depression caused farmers and there families to all work, especially after bank failures. Dust storms also destroyed farms and families decided to move west to recreate their lives and find jobs. The themes of community and family are shown throughout the novel so far by Joad finding out his family are working hard to move westward because the bank took over his father's farm. Community and family play a huge role because families, even children worked just to get enough money so that they were able to live and get by.