Set during the Great Depression, the story follows a family of tenant farmers, the Joads, as they are displaced from their Oklahoma home due to drought and economic hardship. They embark on a treacherous journey to California in search of work and a better life, facing numerous challenges along the way. The narrative explores themes of social injustice, resilience, and the struggle for dignity, highlighting the plight of the disenfranchised and the impact of systemic inequality on individuals and families. Through their journey, the Joads encounter hope, despair, and the strength of community amidst adversity.