The Grapes of Wrath: Critical Analysis

Introduction

The Grapes of Wrath is a novel and movie written by Jon Steinbeck in 1939. Steinbeck aimed to criticize those responsible for the poverty of the American people in the 1930s, telling the story of the Joad family's migration from Oklahoma to California. Despite its success, the story faced criticism and was even banned in some schools for its vulgar language. Overall, the story highlights how poor governance led to the 1929 financial crisis, which resulted in millions of unemployed, collapsed businesses, and homelessness.

Social Philosophy

Steinbeck presents a complex and contradictory social philosophy in The Grapes of Wrath. The story suggests that coming together as a community against the wealthy is crucial for survival. This philosophy is initially introduced by Jim Casy and later realized by Ma and Tom Joad.

The Structure of The Grapes of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath employs various techniques to convey its message, such as short sketches, narratives, and informative discussions. Chapter three introduces a land turtle crossing the highway, which creates a mood of empathy for the persistent animal. Tom Joad's family then embodies this perseverance, refusing to give up. Chapter seven depicts a car salesman selling his broken car to immigrants, revealing the urgency of their need and the seller's motivation to make a sale.

Conclusion

Steinbeck's ability to convey the American dream in simple language earned him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962 and the Pulitzer Prize in 1940. The Grapes of Wrath continues to impact modern society by shedding light on real stories and challenges faced by the American people.

Works Cited

1. Dr. Zavari. (2006). Critical analysis of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.
2. In Bloom, H. (2009). John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Chelsea.
3. Steinbeck, J. (2006). The Grapes of Wrath. Penguin.