Discussion on Chapter 12

"I can't help what happens to you. I got to think what happens to me." The major theme that I saw in chapter twelve was self interest. It seems as though almost everyone headed west is only interested in themselves, or their own family, and trying to make it across the country. Most families are struggling to just get by, and if they would help each other it would be a lot easier, but they are mostly thinking for themselves and themselves only. Some people, mostly salesmen, are trying to rip everyone off for their own good so they can make a profit. The salesmen only want to make a profit and are not worried about taking advantage of the desperate families. "I wonder who's gettin' screwed. Fella in business got to lie an' cheat, but he calls it somepin else. that's what's important. You go steal that tire an' you're a thief, but he tried to steal your four dollars for a busted tire. They call that a sound business." I really like that passage from the book because it shows that society is kind of flawed with our way of thinking about stealing and ripping people off. Taking advantage of someone who does not have that much money and selling them a product that will do them no good is just as bad as stealing. Although it was not punishable by law back then, I am glad there are laws about fraud now.