A Look At The Grapes of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath is an American classic written by John Steinbeck in 1939. Steinbeck grew up on farms working with migrant laborers and the effects of this background can be seen in this classic.

The novel was published during the Great Depression in American history. During this period, the American economy was devastated, and caused many citizens' lives were destroyed. Moreover, farmers could not farm and the land was left dry. Therefore, this led to the natural phenomenon known as the Dust Bowl. It is basically drought and dust storms. After all these disasters, banks began seizing farmers' belongings as they could not pay for their loans. As a consequence farmers were forced to leave their lands and migrated to the west to find an opportunity.

The Grapes of Wrath tells the story of a farming family struggling during this period. The novel deals with issues such as humanity and dehumanization, dignity, and family bonds. Throughout the novel, the family's problems do not stem from natural disasters but from people who are fortunate. Government, banks, and institutions are depicted betraying humanity in most needed times. The Joads struggle to stay human in these dehumanizing situations. They never steal or accept money from others, they stay true to their honor and identity. If they take money from someone they try to pay their debt as quickly as possible.

Regardless of their psychological or physical trials, The Joads stay true to their religion and hope. They, in a way, believe in Puritan values as can be seen in Rosasharn's worries about her baby getting hurt due to her indecent behaviors. The Joads stay hopeful with love and bondage in the family. The love of one member helps another to survive in these psychologically hard times. In other words, unity and love create a strong unit that is capable of surviving.