What is the the symbolism in chapter 1 of The Grapes of Wrath?

There are many symbols in the first chapter of Steinbeck's
work that will come back in different forms throughout the novel.  One of the most
powerful symbols is the covering of the sky, blocking out the sun and the light. 
Steinbeck uses this to reflect both the natural conditions in America at the time as
well as the state of human connection to others.  Both are shrouded in darkness and a
moment where individuals cannot see, both literally and figuratively, their connection
to others, making social solidarity near impossible to achieve.  This feed the idea of
the lack of agriculture, something that requires nurturing as well as balance of natural
conditions in order to suvive and flourish.  Human societies are much the same way in
the Great Depression and in the Dust Bowl, the subject of Steinbeck's book.  I think
that one of the last symbols in the first chapter is the idea that the men do not
capitulate to the natural conditions in front of them.  The wives see the anger and the
emotion in their husbands.  They recognize this and Steinbeck uses this as a way to
bring about the idea that while there is a condition of harshness and alienation, this
does not have to be the norm.  This image helps to convey Steinbeck's belief that there
can be a transformative notion of reality whereby individuals can help to change reality
from what is into what should be.  It is here where such a symbolic moment can come to
represent so much more in the work in that the transformative power of humans will
become a central theme developed throughout the book.