The Grapes of Wrath
what makes tom kinder to the fat man?
In previous moments Tom "sounds off" at the man.
In previous moments Tom "sounds off" at the man.
THe fat man is a truck driver that gives Tom a lift in chapter 2. Initially the man refuses on account of a sign that says "No Riders". Tom tells him that, "a good guy" doesn't care if “some rich bastard makes him carry a sticker.” AS Tom travels with the man, he realizes that the driver has his own problems too. The driver explains how the loneliness of the job can wear a man down and all he wants to do is talk. Tom seems to understand this and is kinder to him.