The Grapes of Wrath Section 5 (Chapters 21-24)

This chapter describes both the fear that drives men to work at any wage, and the exploitation of that reality by greedy owners. The landowners, farmers, and corporations have recruited far more potential workers than could possibly be employed, which forces wages down. A job that should pay 35 cents had people offering to do it for 25… then 20, then 15. Some will work for, “a little piece of meat,” since working for a meager wage seems better than not working at all.  

This exploitation, however, fuels resentment, anger, and desperation. The greed that fuels the lower wages is foreshadowed as leading to dire consequences.  

The Joads have been told of a federally-sponsored camp for migrants, where they might be able to stay. Upon arrival, find that another tenant family has just moved out, giving the Joads a place to camp. The camp provides running water and flush toilets, a luxury many had never seen before, including the Joads. The Joads are nearly overwhelmed by the modernness of the place, and the kindness of most tenants. The self-generated government of the camp is designed to welcome newcomers, and to provide protection to them. While neither food nor paid work are provided here, all other essential needs are provided for.  

The morning after arriving at the camp, Tom is invited to share breakfast with two men (a father and his son) who tell him about work they’ve been doing. Tom is told that the employer might be willing to take on another man, so the men invite Tom to join them when they head to the job. He readily accepts. He questions them as to why they are willing to help him, since this will result in the two men having less work. The men indicate that they realize that it cuts their work short, but that it just seems like the right thing to do.  

When the three men arrive at the work site, the landowner, Mr. Thomas, gruffly explains that he will hire Tom, but the wage has dropped from 30 cents per hour to 25 cents per hour. When the men lightly protest, he explains that he is sorry, but that he has been given no choice by the Farmers’ Association, which governs all farms in the area. The Association has ordered Mr. Thomas to lower his wage, in order to ensure that no workers could expect better wages anywhere. The Association has the power to destroy Mr. Thomas’ business if he does not comply.  

Mr. Thomas is sympathetic to the plight of the workers, though. He is apologetic for lowering the pay rate. He also explains that the violence experienced by those who make any effort to prevent wages from being suppressed is by orders from The Association. He continues, telling them of a secret plot he’s been made aware of. He tells the men that The Association plans to send a few undercover operatives to the camp’s regular Saturday night dance, with the intent of instigating a brawl. While the camp is typically off-limits to local deputies, the law allows deputies to enter if violent altercations occur. Mr. Thomas explains that nobody can ever be told where the information has came from, as he’d be punished for doing so, but he feels a moral obligation to warn the camp residents of this cruel plan.  

The camp is governed by the tenants, and the necessary work is completed by volunteers. The natural social structure that emerges from this system works remarkably well. Ma Joad, in particular, is very pleased with the kindness of the residents, and with the efficient and fair way that the camp is self-governed.  

Entertainment for the emigrants is found in the simple pleasures. Here we’re given a glimpse of the story-telling that enthralls many, and of music, played by those fortunate enough to have a guitar or a harmonica. Sometimes there is dancing, and religion is often impressed upon the emigrants.  

Tom’s ditch-digging job only lasts a few days, and finds no other work afterward. None of the other family members are able to find any gainful employment, in spite of seeking work relentlessly.  

Pa Joad discusses the way that work seems to be priced in California. When a man agrees to work for one price, there’s always another willing to work for an even lower wage. It appears that jobs are simply auctioned to the lowest bidder. It is suggested, sarcastically, that eventually workers will have to pay to work.  

Rose of Sharon expresses misgivings about the dance on Saturday night. She misses her husband, Connie, and does not feel like attending the dance. After some discussion, Ma agrees to help her out by making the excuse to others that Rose of Sharon is not feeling well enough to attend.  

Acting on the tip from Mr. Thomas, which Tom has relayed to those at the camp, the chairman of the entertainment committee, Willie Eaton, has added an additional 20 men to the security force for the evening. Their purpose is to immediately weed out any impostors that have been hired by the police to instigate fights.  

The security force members are instructed to keep an eye out for these trouble-makers, but to be certain that none are dealt with violently. The goal for the evening is to maintain tranquil peace, in order to ensure that deputies will not be given the chance to storm the camp.  

At least ten deputies are spotted outside of the camp, armed, and apparently prepared to storm the camp as soon as any unrest gives them license to invade.  

As guests arrive for the dance, three of them appear to be likely suspects. The security team is instructed to keep a very close eye on these individuals, and later, one of the three verbally assails a guest, obviously trying to start a fight. The team immediately converges on the three impostors, who are surrounded by the volunteer bouncers. The three are carefully and quietly escorted from the premises, and released, unharmed, but not before being questioned and chastised by chairman Ezra Huston for betraying their own people… other immigrant workers. Even though the impostors never confess to being paid operatives, the implications are clear enough that the suspicious plot is confirmed.  

Analysis: 

Fear, desperation, and the awareness of the many forces around them that seem to conspire to crush the Joads become more powerful here. We see the lack of work available, the futility of even seeking employment, and conspiratorial plans by deputies to sabotage the few rights and privileges that the emigrants in the camp have. Even competition among the prospective laborers turns into a cutthroat existence.  

Still, not all humanity is lost, as those in the camp work together for certain goals. Peace and cooperation are guiding forces is the self-governing community. Even in times of desperation, the goodness is people is evident at the camp.  

The message is that group action is required, not only to accomplish things, but to protect the masses from powerful, even if smaller by comparison, forces that work against them. Steinbeck’s belief in unionization, and in the strength found in numbers is being promoted through his expression of group success.