A jackrabbit got caught in the lights and he bounced along ahead, cruising easily, his great ears flopping with every jump. Now and then he tried to break off the road, but the wall of darkness thrust him back. Far ahead bright headlights appeared and bore down on them. The rabbit hesitated, faltered, then turned and bolted toward the lesser lights of the Dodge. There was a small soft jolt as he went under the wheels. The oncoming car swished by.
"We sure squashed him," said Casy.
Tom said, "Some fellas like to hit ’em. Gives me a little shakes ever’ time."
– John Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 16. Tom Joad accidentally hits a jackrabbit after he takes over the driving of the truck from Al. He tells Jom Casy that he doesn’t like hitting rabbits, but some other people do. The animal symbolizes people like the migrants who are in a struggle to survive. Some enjoy making them suffer, while others show compassion towards them.