Although the story never really ends and the story appears capable of going on forever, the sense of fulfillment is always present in an unexplainable way.
The novel consists of an account of the travels conducted by the Joad family, Tom Jr., Tom Senior, Rosasharn, Ruthie, Winfield, Connie, Granma, Granpa, Uncle John, and Ma; as well as their close friend Casy, an ex-reverend. The bank had bought most of the crops in Oklahoma and Texas, used advanced technology to farm, harvest, sow, and prepare the crops with little effort. Using technology, the banks quickly created commercial farms, colossal profits, no thoughts for living creatures and ruin into the lives of the citizens of the Oklahoma territory. The citizens can no longer meet the demands of their customers, and had to sell their farms, and find other means of living. .
The mood of the novel is set from the very beginning, the main characters" esteem is non-existent, and they their stubbornness, reluctance, and incapability to see hope in moving from Oklahoma in order to seek a new start in California. Perhaps the most important part of the setting is the fact that they have no idea where they wish to go, but only know that they must leave. The whole book is set with a saddening mindset. Obstacles are placed for the Joad family across the path to their dreams. .
Another important factor that stands out in the book is the mixture of characters that presents itself in such an unambiguous way; every single one of them has a precise and unmovable role within the story. Each character also symbolizes a certain important aspect of the human nature. For example, Tom Jr. symbolizes the rebellious spirit found in oppressed beings, human or otherwise, while Granpa symbolizes the reluctance of man (or woman) to be moved from lawful property. The other family members symbolize different important aspects such as hope, youth, sacrifice, innocence, persistence, admiration, and leadership.