John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes Of Wrath'

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Billy Bales Mr. Ward English III CP 22 February 2012 John Steinbeck: The novelist who captured the hearts of many; but angered more There have been many authors apart of American Literature movements throughout the years. John Steinbeck was one of these American authors that took part in the movements. He wrote for what he believed in and made sure people understood what he was writing about. John Steinbeck arose during the hard times of the Great Depression and the effects from it (Millichap). His books were in direct relation to the occurring events across the United States. John Steinbeck will forever be one of the most influential American authors; he presented a solution to all the problems faced in his books and he did it in…show more content…
They present real life ideas and people to enhance the feeling to be able to connect with ordinary people. For example, in the Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men they both have farm settings with each set of characters trying to better their lives. In the Grapes of Wrath, the Joads are a traditional farming family that is devastated by the Depression and the Dust Bowl so they had to move to California as a poor family to better their situation (Williams 25). This change was common for many families in the late twenties and early thirties. Steinbeck based a whole books to one of the occurring events. In Of Mice and Men, two men (one stable human being and the other a mentally retarded; hardworking liability) are migrant laborers trying to earn enough money to pursue their dreams. The same goal for all Americans; that being to achieve their dreams and be successful. He describes the inequalities of the world, through two men that are looked down in the novel. Most of Steinbeck’s books are based on poverty and injustice (Williams 97). Through them he presents how people should be portrayed, and he presents answers to the problems faced in the…show more content…
People get the idea that in his books there are direct bible references and symbols. “It does not go by the actual traditional church teachings, but rather as a direct illustration” (Shockley 138). This same style was common for Transcendentalists and Unitarists based on their philosophy. Unitarists believed that Jesus was one person and not God; Jesus himself was described as supernatural. Steinbeck considered all Christian ideas, and he used direct relation to his context (Shockley 138). Christian symbolism in his novels were common, and most of his books had some piece of Christian symbolism to it (Shockley 139). Almost every aspect of Steinbeck’s writing contained symbolism. Examples of his symbolism include names, places, character portrayal , themes, and many other things. In Mice of Men, character portrayal is symbolized intensely. Meaning the characters are viewed differently based on their status or occupation. George and Lenny, the main characters, are seen as poor because they are migrant workers. But the ones that give them jobs are seen as nice people, but in reality they are
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