One theme that I noticed is that the "Okie" or the migrants moving West are treated as less than humans, bearing the name "Okie". Although, most of those migrants are hard working people, most people see then as thieves and wonderers, but in all reality, they are some of the most hard working individuals, fighting to survive. The people who give these migrants their name would do the same thing to feed their families, that is why they stand at the edge of their town, protecting it from the entrance of the Okies.

Another theme present throughout the book, is the laissez faire government that was present during this time. Not only did the government not assist the migrants, but most of the time made matters worse. They burned down their "Hoovervilles" and started fights with those who spoke up about their mistreatment.

This journey across the country made people crazy. They lost their homes-a place where they were born, raised a family, and planned on dying. This forced removal, caused them to lose a part of themselves one which they will never get back-this is seen with the death of grandpa. He lost so much of himself that he couldn't take it anymore, like Jim Casy said "he died when he was removed from the land." This then causes grandma emotional turmoil, she then joined grandpa in death. This caused many loved ones to be lost. Not all of the Okies died from sickness, or of their own hand, but losing a part of themselves.