Macrocosm Versus Microcosm Chapters 16-19 Assignment G

          Chapter 16 of  The Grapes of Wrath, focuses on the small world of the Joads, whereas in chapter 17 a larger focus of all the migrants is taken. Both in the microcosm of the Joads and the macrocosm of travelers, people who are not family, join together in a symbolic family. Family becomes redefined as those who are struggling with you, not just blood relative. In chapter 16, when Casy, Al, and Tom are out getting a car part Ma makes dinner for all three of the men. Casy is not a part of the family but is still fed as if he is one, he is some what surprised  by Ma's gesture and remarks "she don't forget nobody." This goes the same in the macrocosm, in chapter 17 strangers become family, multiple families are able to become one "unit." Another similarity that presents itself in these two chapters is the concept of the past, particularly the taboo that it is. 
           When Tom Joad is questioned about his time in jail he becomes very uncomfortable and tells Al he'd "ruther jus' lay one foot down in front a the other" (176). One of the first few rules mentioned in chapter 17 asserts the right to keep the "past black hidden in the heart" just as Tom did. In this similarity it is shown that migrants are to stay hopeful for the future and understand that their past is long behind them and will remain in their old towns, where they migrated from. Distancing themselves from the past helps migrants create a new identity in their new environment. 
            In chapter 16 when Tom eyes a kettle cooking beans, the woman generously offers to give Tom a bowl of beans after they finish cooking. This connects with the general view of camper society, presented in chapter 17 which states that one should share their food with those who are hungry. Both chapters capture the idea that helping others who are less fortunate than you should be a value everyone lives by. Further, the actions of the women who offers Tom the beans and the rules of the camping society connects directly to the transcendental belief that insists helping others is the same as helping yourself, because good deeds are reciprocated overtime.

           The microcosm of the Joads helps readers make a more emotional connection with the macrocosm. When observing people on a large scale it can be hard to really connect with the individual when individuals are represented in numbers. So exposing readers to the Joads allows for the extension of their empathy to the migrant community as a whole. Therefore the micro and macro lenses help to establish a deeper emotional connection to a wide range of people who are now able to be seen as individuals.