In the Grapes of Wrath, what is the function of chapter 15? What does this imply about waitresses, businessmen, and truck drivers?

Chapter 15 is an important elements of the storyas it
reinforces one of the central themes of the novel: the power and importance of community
and human generosity. The small diner is a microcosm for the larger world. Here, we see
the wealthy customers come in and pretentiously complain about everything they encounter
and leave little or nothing in the way of tips. We see the truck drivers who come in,
are polite, thankful for what they receive, and leave tips for those that work there.
But it is in the road-bound family (one much like the Joads) that we see the real push
of the novel's message. We see the behavior of the cook defending and supporting the
father's desire to buy a loaf of bread for his family, over the objections of the
waitress. But then we see the transformation occur in the waitress when she sells the
candy two for a penny. We learn after the family leaves that the candy really cost five
cents each. This behavior is then reinforced and rewarded by the two truck drivers who
witness the events leaving an extra large tip. This scene reinforces that tension
between the classes and the power of generosity and community that is needed for the
benefit of all.