Tom Joad was another essential character to Steinbeck’s piece, The Grapes of Wrath. Throughout the novel, Joad undergoes one of the most significant changes and character developments. Jim Casy’s beliefs and teachings influenced Tom’s character in many different ways.
Tom Joad was the type of man who was always on his own, as his was imprisoned and incarcerated in the beginning of the novel. Towards the end of Steinbeck’s piece of literature, Tom learns to work with a group, such as his family and friends picked up on the way, and not just by himself. Tom Joad’s character has a change of heart by the end of the novel and proves to be a charitable and helpful person.
The beginning of Steinbeck’s novel starts off with Tom Joad hitchhiking just after he got out of prison. Joad is nonetheless a very kind man, but yet, he is very interested and fascinated by himself. After coming out of prison, Tom’s mindset about life alters. He believes that people should live in the moment and seize the day and that no one should focus on what will happen in the future, people should live in the present day.
Tom decides that what is best for him to get rid of all sorts of negativity that he is feeling, such as his anger. Though a nice man Tom is, he does have anger issues, which got him locked up in the first place. As the novel moves along, Tom starts developing new traits. He starts to have a new perspective on the way he lives and the way he views his life. Tom decides that it is best if he could just do something good for the family and just leave for his crimes. He believes that after the death of Jim Casy, he should take care of himself and realize the responsibilities he holds.
Tom says, “Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there. Wherever they’s a cop beatin’ up a guy, I’ll be there… I’ll be in the way kids laugh when they’re hungry n’ they know supper’s ready. An’ when our folks eat the stuff they raise an’ live in the houses they build—why, I’ll be there. See?” (Steinbeck, 419). This piece explains how Tom is turning into Casy but using his language and his teachings. Throughout this piece of work, Tom’s character develops as he gains personality traits from other people such as, Jim Casy.
Jim Casy and Tom Joad met when Tom was little, and Casy baptized him. Casy has always been a family friend to the Joads and has always been invited to spend time with them. Tom and Casy then run into each other and catch up and tell one another what has happened in their life. Tom starts to enjoy Casy’s presence and company. Throughout the novel, Casy starts to impact Tom by his teachings and beliefs. For example, Tom was always negative and never looked toward the future, but now, Casy’s beliefs have taught him to have hope and to think positive through the tough times.
Optimistic Tom then realizes that his life has a purpose and there is meaning to everything, he realizes he should not live in the present but wonder what will happen to him and his family through this tragedy. Tom then follows in Casy’s footsteps and stands up for the people. Tom then goes on to argue, “But now I been thinkin’ what he said, an’ I can remember—all of it… he foun’ he didn’ have no soul that was his’n. Says he foun’ he jus’ got a little piece of a great big soul. Says a wilderness ain’t no good, ’cause his little piece of a soul wasn’t no good ‘less it was with the rest, an’ was whole….
I know now a fella ain’t no good alone” (Steinbeck, 418). While the Joads remain in the cotton plantation, Tom believes that standing up for the people would create some justice for Casy. Tom honors his friend through his teachings and beliefs. This shows that Tom respected Jim Casy, and that he is a changed man, from being a selfish, selfloving man, to protecting his family and the people surrounding him.
Tom Joad is a man of positive thoughts who keeps the faith of his fellow friend, Jim Casy, throughout Steinbeck’s novel to honor his life. Throughout this piece of literature, Tom Joad faces one of the most substantial character developments, as he started off as a selfish man, to an honoring man who cares about his family and the society.
