Final answer:
Steinbeck chooses to end the novel with Carlson's line to highlight the dehumanization and lack of empathy in the society portrayed in the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steinbeck chooses to end the novel with Carlson's line to highlight the dehumanization and lack of empathy in the society portrayed in the story. Carlson's line, 'Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin' them two guys?' shows the callousness and indifference of the characters towards the suffering of others. It serves as a powerful reminder of the harsh reality and the bleak future faced by the characters.