* Provide historical context: They delve into the Dust Bowl, the economic depression, and the history of exploitation of farm workers.
* Illustrate the plight of the poor: They showcase the hardship, desperation, and lack of opportunity faced by the marginalized.
* Explore themes of community and resilience: They depict the ways in which migrant workers band together for support and how they maintain hope amidst adversity.
* Offer a broader perspective: They step back from the Joad family's individual story to present a larger picture of the social injustices and human struggles of the time.
Essentially, the intercalary chapters serve as commentary on the events of the novel, providing a wider context and deeper understanding of the suffering and hope experienced by the characters.