Chapters 14-16

                The ideas expressed in chapter 14 revolve around the idea of unions. I believe that two considerations are being discussed within the chapter. One consideration is the possibility of revolt. The nervousness that these areas feel from the change does not just stem from the effects of the dust bowl. Many western cities fear the possibility of a revolt. All of these dislocated farmers are coming together and they are growing in numbers. Though they are weak, their size increasing and they are joining together. It is like a union. The assembly has become so large that western cities worry that they may take advantage of their numbers and stage a revolt.

                This is only a brief idea in the chapter. The stronger consideration in the chapter involves the weak beginning to understand each other. As their numbers grow, many realize that the ‘I’ is not as important as the ‘we’. This results in even larger groups and settlements. They share, colonize, and socialize. One piece of evidence in the chapter is illustrated by a narrator who gives away the blanket that used to belong to his mother to a baby that is sick with a cold.

                Unison is a key idea in the next two chapters. In chapter 15: “Al said snarlingly, ‘Goddamn it, Mai. Give ‘em the loaf.’ The man turned toward Al. ‘No, we want ta buy ten cents’ worth of it. We got it figgered awful close, mister, to get to California.” Mae said resignedly, ‘You can have this for ten cents.’” Al and Mae understand what this family is going through. It is showing that people can unionize for even a brief moment of passing.

                This idea is again expressed in chapter 16: “Wilson said, ‘Seems like it’s my fault. This here goddamn wreck’s give me trouble right along. You folks been nice to us. Now you jus’ pack up an’ get along. Me an’ Sairy’ll stay, an’ we’ll figger some way. We don’t aim tot put you folks out none.’ Pa said slowly, ‘We aint a-gonna do it. No, sir. We got almost a kin bond. Grampa, he did in your tent.”’ Pa recognizes this union, or bond as he calls it, and even considers it to be on the same level as kinship.