In The Grapes of Wrath, when Tom decides to leave the family, Ma is very worried. This shows that Ma is looking for Tom's greater good before considering her own needs. During the entire journey, Ma tries to keep the family together in every way. However, Mom knew that Tom was bringing darkness into the family. Tom always seems to find trouble and this would put the family's safety at risk. «Then it doesn't matter. I'll be everywhere in the darkness, I'll be everywhere. Wherever you look, wherever there is a fight, so that hungry people can eat, I will be there. Wherever there's a cop beating up a kid, I'll be there” (Steinbeck 534). This quote is given when Tom talks to his mother. They are discussing that when Tom leaves, he will still be with Mom in spirit. Tom reassures his mother that even though he won't be with her, he will still take care of her and think of her. Mom has a hard time letting Tom go because she doesn't want the family to be destroyed