own in front of the other." Later Tom's character will develop into more complex philosophies. Ma is the strength and binding force of the family in the novel but at times she goes to Tom to nurture her strength. In chapter 10 Ma explains to Tom that she has doubts about the conditions in California and the dubious handbills that promise high wages. She does not have the faith that she used to have. Tom inspires her by reiterating that the only way he was able to survive the years in prison was to live from day to day and not think about the future. This brings back Ma's confidence strength to lead the family on. The rest of the novel is just about the family doing what it can to survive from day to day. They do not know what tomorrow will hold for them. Comparing him to his sister, Rose of Sharon, can emphasize Tom’s strong mind. Rose of Sharon is due to have a child soon and is always worried that events around her will affect the outcome of her child. In chapter 13 the family is on the road west when at a stop their dog is run over and killed. Rose of Sharon is frightened that seeing it will have a negative effect on the baby. She has a weak mind and lacks the understanding or the strength that the family has when it acts as an excessive unit that Tom and Ma Joad have. In the same chapter the Joads meet the Wilsons, a family that has suffered the same under the landowners. The Wilson's car is broken down. As Tom's level of development grows, he realizes that the only people that will help those in need are those that are in the same situation. He offers to help fix the broken car. The Wilsons and Joads temporarily become one family acting as an efficient cohesive group. Tom has increased the level of love and belonging by welcoming the Wilsons as new members to the group. At the same time the Humanistic levels of security and physiological needs are strengthened. Tom knows that there is safety in numbers and with more people tr...
