In John Steinbeck's Cannery Row, the diverse community is portrayed through a broad spectrum of characters, from the morally questionable to the virtuous. The reference to "whores, pimps, gamblers, and sons of bitches" encapsulates the gritty reality of life in the area, suggesting that everyone has flaws and complexities that define their existence.

However, the narrative also highlights the potential for goodness among these individuals, indicating that if viewed from a different perspective, one could see "saints and angels and martyrs." This duality reflects the shared humanity of all characters, emphasizing that everyone possesses both light and darkness within them.