the grapes of wrath Essay

Biblical Allusions
Biblical allusions are famous in John Steinbeck's, The Grapes of Wrath. The biblical imagery that is demonstrated throughout the novel significantly enhances the meaning of the story all the way through the development of the characters and the plot. These also highlight the fact that certain ideas in the Bible are still valid in our every day lives. Peter Lisca has noted that the novel reflects the three-part division of the Old Testament exodus account, which includes captivity, journey, and the Promised Land. Steinbeck’s reference from the Bible reflects his personal analysis about religion and allows him to reinforce his theme of migrant families emerging to form a community to work together. Steinbeck uses the protagonist, Tom Joad, ex-preacher Jim Casy and Rose of Sharon to exemplify Christ-like figures in the book. The Joad family is often used to symbolize groups of people or specific persons in the Bible. The journey that the Joads embarks upon itself is a depiction from the Bible. Granpa Joad, the Joads’ and the flood represent Lot’s wife, the Hebrews and Noah’s ark correspondingly.
The Joads' story is equivalent with that of the Hebrews. Just as the Hebrews were hostages of the Pharaoh, the Joads' are hostages of their farm. Both make long and tough expeditions until they get to their promised land. Israel is the destination for the Hebrews and California plays the similar role for the Joads. When the Joads get on their journey, the twelve members relates to the twelve tribes of Israel who are leaving the old order behind. They mount the truck in ark fashion, two by two, as Noah Joad observes from the ground. This chapter ten scene is an allusion to the story of Noah's Ark “. . . the rest swarmed up on top of the load, Connie and Rose of Sharon, Pa and Uncle John, Ruthie and Winfield, Tom and the preacher. Noah stood on the ground looking up at the great load of them sitting on top of the truck.” They also take a few of their animals...