The Grapes of Wrath has been difficult for me to read. It is not simply a long book; it is a powerful book. The first line ("To the red country and part of the gray country of Oklahoma, the last rains came gently, and they did not cut the scarred earth" [Steinbeck 3].) sets a tone for the novel. It transcends to me that this is written beautifully, with emphasis on the land, and that action is precisely described in a style both poetic and journalistic. In that way, Steinbeck did not disappoint. However, the style is not enough. His did not make the best use of that style. First of all, as Ro...

• Word Count: 1715
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

Steinbeck Critical Analysis When John Steinbeck wrote The Grapes of Wrath the United States was amidst the Great Depression. Life was hard for the average American during the 1930s. The Depression was the worst and longest period of high unemployment and low business activity in modern times. An ecological terror, known as the Dust Bowl, further complicated matters for small farmers. These two phenomena ... allowed Steinbeck to create his best selling and most influential book, The Grapes of Wrath. To appeal to these victims of the Depression, Steinbeck contained highly socialistic characters...

• Word Count: 1670
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School