The Grapes of Wrath is a novel by John Steinbeck, published in 1939, which tells the story of the Joad family’s migration from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. The novel is widely regarded as a masterpiece of American literature and is known for its powerful depiction of the struggles of migrant workers during the Dust Bowl era. However, one of the most notable aspects of The Grapes of Wrath is its use of allegory to convey its themes.
An allegory is a story or narrative that has a deeper meaning beyond the surface level of the plot. In The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck uses allegory to explore the themes of poverty, injustice, and the struggle for survival in a world that is hostile to the poor and dispossessed. The novel is full of symbols and metaphors that represent these themes, such as the turtle that crosses the road in the opening chapter, which represents the resilience and perseverance of the migrant workers. Another example is the Joad family’s journey westward, which symbolizes the search for a better life and the American Dream.
Historical Context of “The Grapes of Wrath”
“The Grapes of Wrath” was published in 1939 by John Steinbeck. This novel is set during the Great Depression, a time when the United States was facing a severe economic crisis. The novel depicts the struggles of migrant farmworkers who were forced to leave their homes and travel to California in search of work.
During this period, the country was experiencing high levels of unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. The economic crisis was caused by a combination of factors, including the stock market crash of 1929, the failure of banks, and a severe drought that destroyed crops and led to widespread famine.
Steinbeck’s novel was written during a time of great social and political upheaval. The government was trying to address the economic crisis through a series of programs, including the New Deal, which aimed to provide relief to those who were suffering the most.
The novel’s themes of poverty, injustice, and inequality struck a chord with readers across the country, and it quickly became a bestseller. Steinbeck’s use of allegory and symbolism to convey his message made the novel even more powerful, and it remains a classic of American literature to this day.
Main Allegories in ‘The Grapes of Wrath’
The Joad Family as a Symbol
One of the main allegories in ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ is the Joad family as a symbol of the struggles faced by migrant farmers during the Great Depression. The family represents the working-class people who were forced to leave their homes and farms due to the economic crisis. The Joads’ journey from Oklahoma to California is a reflection of the larger migration of people from the Dust Bowl region to the West.
The Journey as a Representation of Struggle
The journey of the Joad family is also an allegory for the struggle of the working-class people during the Great Depression. The family faces numerous challenges during their journey, including hunger, poverty, and discrimination. These challenges represent the larger struggles faced by the migrant farmers who were forced to leave their homes and farms.
The Land and Drought Allegory
Another allegory in ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ is the land and drought allegory. The drought represents the economic crisis that led to the migration of people from the Dust Bowl region to the West. The land represents the American Dream, which is out of reach for the migrant farmers. The Joad family’s journey to California is an attempt to find a better life, but they soon realize that the American Dream is a myth.
Character Symbolism
Tom Joad
Tom Joad is the protagonist of the novel and is a symbol of the common man. He represents the struggle of the working class during the Great Depression. Tom’s character develops throughout the novel, from a man who is focused only on his own survival to a man who becomes a leader in the fight for workers’ rights. His journey is a reflection of the journey of the working class during this time.
Ma Joad
Ma Joad is the matriarch of the Joad family and is a symbol of strength and resilience. She is the glue that holds the family together and keeps them moving forward in the face of adversity. Ma Joad is a representation of the women who kept their families together during the Great Depression.
Jim Casy
Jim Casy is a former preacher who becomes a symbol of selflessness and sacrifice. He gives up his religious beliefs to fight for the rights of the workers. Jim Casy’s character is a reflection of the sacrifice that many people made during the Great Depression to fight for the rights of the working class.
Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon is a symbol of hope and renewal. She is pregnant throughout most of the novel, and her pregnancy represents the hope for a better future. When her baby is stillborn, it is a symbol of the death of that hope. However, at the end of the novel, Rose of Sharon breastfeeds a starving man, which represents the renewal of hope and the potential for a better future.
Biblical Allusions
John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is rich with biblical allusions, with references to the Bible’s Old and New Testaments. These allusions add depth to the novel’s themes by drawing on the powerful imagery and symbolism of the Bible.
Moses and the Exodus
Steinbeck draws on the story of Moses and the Exodus in his portrayal of the Joad family’s journey from Oklahoma to California. Like the Israelites in the Exodus story, the Joads are forced to leave their homeland due to economic hardship and seek a better life elsewhere. The journey itself is fraught with danger and difficulty, much like the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness.
Jesus Christ and Christian Imagery
Steinbeck also employs Christian imagery in his depiction of Tom Joad as a Christ-like figure. Tom sacrifices himself for the good of his fellow man, much like Jesus did. Additionally, the novel’s themes of redemption and salvation are deeply rooted in Christian theology.
The Book of Revelation
Perhaps the most significant biblical allusion in The Grapes of Wrath is to the Book of Revelation. The novel’s title itself is taken from Revelation 14:19-20, which describes the “grapes of wrath” being trampled in a winepress. This passage is significant because it foreshadows the violence and destruction that will come as a result of the Joads’ struggle for survival.
Political and Social Commentary
Capitalism and Exploitation
The Grapes of Wrath is a powerful critique of capitalism and exploitation. Steinbeck exposes the harsh realities of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, and how they were exacerbated by the greed of the wealthy landowners who exploited the migrant workers. The Joad family, like many other migrant workers, were forced to leave their homes and travel to California in search of work. However, they soon discover that the jobs are scarce and the wages are low. The landowners take advantage of their desperation and pay them less than they deserve. Steinbeck highlights the injustice of the capitalist system and how it perpetuates inequality and poverty.
Community and Altruism
Despite the harsh realities of the world depicted in The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck also emphasizes the importance of community and altruism. The Joad family and other migrant workers form a close-knit community and help each other in times of need. They share their resources and support each other emotionally. Steinbeck portrays this community as a source of strength and hope in the face of adversity. He suggests that the only way to overcome the injustices of the capitalist system is through collective action and solidarity.
The American Dream
The Grapes of Wrath also challenges the myth of the American Dream. The Joad family and other migrant workers come to California in search of a better life, but they soon realize that the American Dream is just an illusion. They are met with poverty, exploitation, and injustice. Steinbeck suggests that the American Dream is a false promise that keeps people trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair. He argues that the only way to achieve true prosperity and happiness is through social and economic justice.
Steinbeck’s Use of Literary Devices
Foreshadowing and Irony
Steinbeck masterfully employs foreshadowing and irony to add depth and complexity to his narrative. In one instance, he foreshadows the Joad’s eventual displacement from their farm when he describes the dust covering everything “like brown snow.” This image serves as a metaphor for the impending destruction of the Joad’s way of life. Similarly, Steinbeck uses irony to highlight the cruel absurdity of the situation. For instance, the Joads are forced to leave their farm because they can no longer afford to pay the bank, yet the bank is portrayed as an unfeeling monster that is indifferent to the plight of the farmers.
Metaphors and Similes
Steinbeck’s use of metaphors and similes is equally impressive. He often compares the Joads to animals, emphasizing their vulnerability and helplessness in the face of larger forces. For example, he describes the Joads as “turtles” that must carry their homes on their backs, or as “ants” that are crushed underfoot by the wealthy. These metaphors serve to underscore the power dynamics at play in the novel, and to emphasize the Joad’s struggle against an oppressive system. Additionally, Steinbeck employs similes to create vivid and memorable images. For instance, he describes the dust bowl as “a giant dust bunny,” which helps readers to visualize the scale and severity of the environmental disaster.
Relevance to Modern Society
The Grapes of Wrath has stood the test of time and remains relevant to modern society. The novel tells the story of a family struggling to survive during the Great Depression, facing poverty, homelessness, and discrimination. These themes are still prevalent in today’s society, as many families continue to struggle with economic hardship and inequality.
One of the most important messages of The Grapes of Wrath is the importance of solidarity and community in times of crisis. The Joad family is able to survive and persevere through their struggles because they come together and support each other. This message is still relevant today, as communities continue to come together to support each other during natural disasters, economic downturns, and other crises.
Additionally, The Grapes of Wrath highlights the importance of social justice and the fight for equality. The novel portrays the struggles of migrant workers and the exploitation they faced, shedding light on the inequalities of the time. This message is still important today, as many marginalized communities continue to face discrimination and inequality.