In John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," a vivid scene portrays men who, driven by desperation, steal chickens under the cover of night. Their boldness suggests a sense of urgency, reflecting the dire circumstances they find themselves in. The squawking of the captured chickens adds to the chaos, highlighting the desperate measures people will take to survive.

When confronted or shot at, these men do not flee in fear but, instead, retreat dejectedly, indicating a profound weariness and resignation to their plight. Even when injured, they succumb to the mud, symbolizing the crushing weight of their struggles. This imagery powerfully conveys the theme of survival amidst hardship in the narrative.