Steinbeck wrote many wonderful books but a great classic
is one titled The Grapes of Wrath. This is a story of a
family called the Joads, and a tale of a courageous family who
sought security and family unity.
In my paper I will examine the different ways the Joads
tried to keep united whether just within their immediate
family or eventually with all the others who shared the same
struggles and sufferings.
Steinbeck's dialogue and description's of the dusty
roads, the men squatting in the dirt drawing pictures while
making major decisions, the way in which they traveled all
puts you right into the middle of the family. One becomes
aware and wants to be a part of there unity and their long for
security. Steinbeck's use of the characters dialect is
astoundingly excellent and unmistakenly realistic of the
Joad's culture. Without this dialogue, it would not be as
intense and vivid.
English: John Steinbeck
Trailer for the 1940 black and white film The Grap...
Ma Joad and Tom Joad discuss Tom's future.J. Homer Caskey, in 'Letters to the Editor' says,
'Steinbeck's knowledge of the forces which hold
a family together and the forces which cause it
to disintegrate. He understands that family
councils are an important part of the lives of
the Joads.'
The major theme is the struggle and survival of the Joad
family from the time they lost their home, to the unity they
felt and soon were a part of a whole community, one big
family, and one big soul. This theme is particularly exemplified
by Ma Joad, who played a major part.
The Joads encountered a constant struggle to keep the
family going and intact. When Ma knew that gramma Joad was
dying she told her that there was nothing she could do, that
the family needed to get across the desert that night. It was
not until they were across the desert...