The characters in "The Grapes of Wrath" find themselves overwhelmed and fearful after confronting an unfamiliar system that has ultimately defeated them. Despite their awareness of the true value of their team and wagon, they feel powerless because they lack the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of trade and commerce.

This sense of helplessness highlights their struggle against systemic forces they cannot control. The characters’ inability to understand merchandising reveals a deep divide between their hard work and the realities of economic exploitation, emphasizing the challenges faced by those who are marginalized in a capitalist society.