Beginning of Essay
The story opens with Tom Joad hitchhiking on his way home to his family's farm after serving a short prison term. He gets a ride from a trucker who sneaks him on even though it is against the rules. The trucker realizes that Tom has just been released from prison ....

Middle of Essay
.... off the land. He said that he stayed even though his family left because he can't imagine living anywhere else. The three men spend the night together. The next morning they start walking to Tom's uncle's house where Muley has told him his family is. When they arrive at Uncle John's house Tom's family is very happy to see him. There is hugging and talking before they get back to the seriousness of there problems. They discuss the condition of the used truck that they bought as well as how much money they have. Tom's grandfather is worried about leaving. He says that he wants to because there are many opportunities out. Tom convinces them that the ....