First Impression about Joad in Grapes of Wrath

Tom Joad Jr., simply referred to as Joad in chapter two of the Grapes of Wrath, is a very mysterious character from the beginning. He is walking along the highway alone, and this proves that maybe he is down on his luck or looking for something. He is dressed in clothing that is quite clearly new, but the clothes are ill-fitting which makes the reader wonder how he came across them. He is described to have callouses on his hands as though he is accustomed to hard work.

When the truck driver comes outside, Joad quickly proves himself a smooth talker as he traps the man into giving him a ride to where he needs to go despite the truck's "No Riders" sign. As they drive along, he vaguely answers the truck driver's questions, proving that maybe he has some kind of shady past to hide. He does however reveal his name and his father's name to the man and the fact that though his father used to be a cropper, he has not heard from him or corresponded with him in a significant amount of time. However, he seems to be on his way to visit him based upon what he tells the driver. These facts just add to the mystery of the man and leave the reader wondering where he has been and whether or not he will actually find his father when he gets there.

Based upon his irritation with the truck driver trying to catch a glimpse into his past, the reader can deduce that Joad is used to this kind of treatment and does not take to it very kindly. He tells the driver rather coldly that he will gladly tell him anything he wants to know if he will just ask him the question directly rather than trying to trick him into telling him what he wants to know. This proves that Joad is not trying to be secretive and that he does in fact have a dark past but is wishing to move on into the future and be treated the same as everyone else, rather than with fear and wariness.

At the end of the drive Joad admits that he spent time in prison for homicide. He seems to be trying to intimidate the truck driver and make him afraid. Overall, by the end of the chapter, the reader is not sure what sort of opinion to form of Joad, and instead of trying is simply eager to read more about him.