The Grapes of Wrath Versus The Great Depression

Grapes of Wrath and the Great Depression

The "Grapes of Wrath" is a powerful novel, which is based on the 1930's Great Depression. John Steinbeck writes about the enduring struggle to find work inside of America. The "Grapes of Wrath" accurately portrays the time frame well with the setting and the competition for jobs. Not only does it explain the events of the Great Depression well, but it also brings new and detailed information to the audience.

In the beginning of the film, Tom, the main character, tries to find his long lost family after being released from jail. When he arrives at the farm, the entire plane is completely empty. The text claims that during the Great Depression, farmers could not afford to buy seed to grow wheat in the empty acres of soil. Also, the film showed that houses were being torn down because the Joabs could not pay their debts.

Trailer for the 1940 black and white film The Grap...

Ma Joad and Tom Joad discuss Tom's future.

To reach California the Joads travel U.S. Highway ...

The book proves this to be true by stating, "Between 1929 and 1932, about 400,000 farms were lost through foreclosure." When the Joabs arrive at their first camp, they were not welcomed. Hordes of unemployed people frowned at the thought of more competition for the next harvesting job. Staticians have estimated that 25% of America was unemployed. The movie scene was actually very realistic.

Although the books statements were all accurate, new information was discovered while watching "Grapes of Wrath." At the very end of the movie, the Joads began to live in a camp that provided them with food, jobs, and a water supply. It was interesting to know that there were camps that were run by communists. It was also noted that when the Joads tried to find work in California they were regarded as "Okies" because...