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
Âyou see, a bank or a company can't do that, because those creatures don't breathe air, don't eat
sideÂmeat. They breathe profits; they eat the interest on money. If they don't get it, they die the
way you die without air, without sideÂmeat. 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...