the story is set during the great depression. in what ways does the historical event affect tom's life? how does the author use these changes to develop his character?

Economy goes down, no job. Banks have no profit, no money. No money, no paid bills, and it all goes downward from there. Depends on the story, if he improved from this then he saw that during this great time he needed to change himself, and it motivated him to try harder, if he became sad and didn't improve, what was said up there explains why and how its affected him.