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Speaking only out of my own experience, particularly when young when I identified with this book, desperation and humor go hand in hand. This was their life. There was no point in self pity or hand wringing, but there was always plenty to laugh about.
Full disclosure since I've already revealed myself to be a biased participant in this thread: Steinbeck's viewpoint was like that of my father (and Will Rogers) who could turn the most desperate situation into an occasion for hilarity and reveal the most disreputable people to be lovable. That is why it felt real to me. It is impossible to be unbiased with those kinds of associations.
But from now on I will try hard to be objective.
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