Unity and Survival in The Grapes of Wrath
In this world the introduction of life marks the beginning of death. It is only a matter of how long before this cycle is completed, when man returns to the very ground which gave him breath. Life is a continual struggle; either man chooses to retaliate, adapt, and survive, or hasten destruction. Thrust into life threatening circumstances, men will choose to fight – they possess an innate will and capacity to defend themselves. Therefore, they will survive. This idea provides a strong central theme for John Steinbeck’s literary work The Grapes of Wrath. However, it is actually the unity of all people which sustains individuals through hardship. Steinbeck suggests that the family first establish its members, providing a solid foundation for humankind unity. Without the cooperation of its members, the family cannot function. If the family cannot function, then the larger whole cannot possibly function. At the beginning of the story, the men are responsible for running the family. When making important decisions, they squat in a circle while the women stand supportively behind their husbands (Hinton 2). Pa and the ragged Grandpa are the eldest active leaders, and Tom acquires an influential role, particularly in his younge
Once the Joads are established, their hearts are ready to expand beyond their familial borders and work towards the common good. Though they may fail to realize it, as old family members are dying, others are quickly replacing them. The process begins with Jim Casy, the preacher, who wants to come along even though the truck is loaded to its limit (“Valleys” 138). There is no doubt in Ma’s mind when she responds to Pa’s query: “It ain’t kin we? It’s will we?” (132). This attitude starkly contrasts the tractor driver’s attitude towards the tenant farmers in Chapter Five: “Can’t think of that. Got to feed my own kids” (48). This remark angers the tenant farmers and illustrates the growing class tension. The expansion process continues with the Wilsons in Chapter Thirteen and the Hooverville children in Chapter Twenty (Hinton 1, 2). Ma feels a kinship bond with the Wilsons, who help bury the dead Grandpa. Ma also extends a loving hand to the hungry children, when she gives them some of her stew to eat. Sharon delivers a stillborn child and breastfeeds a starving man (“Valleys” 138). Putting aside her pathetic, selfish interests, she sees the need around her and freely gives what she has for the common good (Hinton 2). This is a direct calling for those having plenty to give freely to those who have nothing (“Education” 99). The education of the Joads is now complete. The family reaches
Some topics in this essay:
Grapes Wrath,
Tom Joad’s,
Rose Sharon,
,
Conversely Chapter,
Ma Joad,
Jim Casy,
Chapter Eighteen,
Chapter Five,
Chapter Sixteen,
hinton 2,
tenant farmers,
grapes wrath,
family function,
“valleys” 138,
rose sharon,
Join now to see the rest of the essay!
Approximate Word count = 966
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
CUSTOMER SERVICES
| |
|
Example Essays Home
