Analysis of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath

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Madeline Zamora

Ms.Dickerson

AP English

2 September 2014

Analysis of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath

John Steinbeck portrayed the lives of many families by using one family's unfortunate

experience during the Great Depression. In his book The Grapes of Wrath he is able to describe

how incredible of an impact the low economy had on many families. The Joad family whom

Steinbeck wrote about struggled many hardships during their journey to California. When they

are able to finally reach California they find it isn't such a blissful place full of jobs and

happiness. Steinbeck doesn't only describe the lives of the Joads in his writing. It is apparent his

writing style is quite unique in the way that he changes perspectives throughout many chapters.

He allows the reader to feel as though they are apart of the story. Steinbeck describes the way the

banks function in chapter five allowing a different perspective to come into play. He wrote "But

­you see, a bank or a company can't do that, because those creatures don't breathe air, don't eat

side­meat. They breathe profits; they eat the interest on money. If they don't get it, they die the

way you die without air, without side­meat. It is a sad thing, but it is so. It is just so."

Steinbeck leaves no detail out when it comes to writing the Joads' story. He uses such

strong dialogue that allows the reader to understand each and every character's personality. Tom

Joad whom is introduced at the beginning of the book has an obvious strong attitude. "Then it

don' matter. Then I'll be all aroun' in the dark. I'll be ever'where­ wherever you look. Wherever

they's a fight so hungry people can eat, I'll be there." This quote from Tom Joad gives a...