The ending makes the novel!

Without giving away anything, I will say that the ending truly shows hope for all of mankind. Rose of Sharon's selfless act for the dying man shows she has gone from caring about herself, to caring for her family, and finally to caring for the family of man. Tom has taken over JC's cause. The rain may pour but the Joads and mankind will prevail. We will talk more about this as everyone finishes the novel.