Family - Chapters 1-10 (F)

The theme of family is mainly shown throughout chapter 10. While the everyone decides meet up and discuss the trip, they all act as a family.
"And without any signal the family gathered by the truck, and the congress, the family government, went into session" (99).
Also, the Joads are very welcoming to Casy.
"Casy got to his feet. He knew the government of families, and he knew had been taken into the family. Indeed his position was eminent, for Uncle John moved sideways, leaving space between Pa and himself for the preacher" (103).

A Family in the 1930s (Source)

In the planning of the trip, the whole family does not fail to exclude anyone that is part of the family. Their family is a one whole government that works together. They all attend the meeting, from youngest to oldest and even begin to include Casy, someone who is not part of their family but treat him as one anyway.

As Tom was introduced in the early chapters, he seemed to be a person who lives off himself and that is independent. But coming to his home land, he was reconnected with his family. Now with Tom, they are more united and have someone else they could rely on for help. Together, they bought a car and tried to sell their items. The family is intact, as everyone helps each other in some way.

This is a family with a strong bond. This family seems like it will try to stick together to end of the way. Possibly because they know they need each other to survive on their trip. Even when Tom's grandpa refuses to leave, they go to the extent of drugging of him to force him to leave with them. This is a family with a strong commitment to stay together. Although it may be a bother, they still asked Casy, and even Muley, to tag along with them. Along with being a really close family, they are also a welcoming one.