This scene establishes many of the character's relationships, especially with the family.
The Family scene is Al's first appearance in the production; he is previously talked about in the scene as "a young smart aleck" so before he even enters, the audience are given a good impression of him. He is also said to have been "a-billy goatin' aroun'" implying he has a way with women which, in the way Pa phrases it, can be protray as either good or bad by the audience. When Al enters, he walks "with a swagger" which shows his pride; pride in himself and in his status as 'Man of the House' amongst the family (although this is to change as Tom as returned from Jail). He may also be taking pride in his "billy goatin'". When Al first replies to his brother, he seems blunt and uses monosyllabic words, at first I thought this was because he doesn't want his position in the family hierarchy to change due to Tom's return however after developing the character since then I've realised Al wouldn't realise that so soon, especially not after being away from the Family for two weeks, and so believe it's out of shock and happiness that his brother's home; these emotions would come from the fact that Al believes Tom has busted out of Jail, which is admired by all of the Joad Family. This is why Al is "disappointed" when he finds out otherwise and so moves away from his brother showing that he isn't too interested in Tom besides the prison reputation, possibly hinting towards the distant relationship to come. At this point Al moves towards the truck for a quick look over as I thought it'd be a good way to show his character, being a mechanic and taking pride over the truck and alittle bit possessive.
Al interacts with Winfield instantly and takes his chair showing the higher level of authority and power, yet is not more central at the table as there are guests and as he was late to dinner, he feels no need to make a fuss (little knowing that his power will soon deteriorate). Al then ruffles Winfield's hair showing their caring brotherly relationship. When Noah, who suffers a mental disability, laughs alittle too loud, Al calms him and makes sure he's alright which shows him as a caring brother but also subliminally suppresses Noah's personality meaning Al can take more power for himself.
Later in conversation Pa nods "at Al" showing his inclusion in the big family decisions and rank in the family. Then Winfield goes to take Al's plate when cleaning up, but Al shoves him off as he was late to dinner and wants to eat, especially as he is "wore out" from "billy goatin' aroun'" but soon Uncle John asks for Al's help, further including Al in the family affairs but still wants to eat. Despite this, Al looks up to Uncle John and so feels obliged to give a hand. Al then makes Noah tag along too knowing he has a similar influence over Noah.
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