Throughout John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck develops a protagonist, which in turn helps to develop the theme that people's greatest strength lies in numbers. Through the development of the protagonist Tom, Steinbeck is able to convey the novel's central meaning. Steinbeck first introduces Tom Joad on the side of a road looking for a ride back to his old farm just after getting out of prison. During his four years at prison, he ... Joad, Steinbeck is able to express one of the major themes in this novel that the greatest power of humans lies in their numbers. He shows this...

• Word Count: 848
• Approx Pages: 3

Setting: The book starts out in Oklahoma, during the Dust Bowl of the 1930's. The ground is very dry and there is no work for the farmers. It seems nearly like a desert the way the author portrays it. The Joads find themselves in a Hooverville, or a run down shantytown, a government camp, which is nicer, and eventually a boxcar. They spend most of their time traveling across deserts and plains in their vehicle of choice, a Jalopy. Description of Main Characters: Tom Joad, the first person we meet in the book, was put in the McAlester State Penitentiary for four years for the crime of manslaug...

• Word Count: 2457
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School

... making them feel like they are actually there. For his talent of expressing the lives of the American people in literature, he was presented the Noble Prize in 1962. Steinbeck grew up in California and many of his novels were set there. His works are based upon the issues of the time and setting. His novels "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men" are cored around migrant farm workers in ... California that are affected by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Many of his novels are about society's lowest class during the 30's, in which he sympathizes with ... them. Steinbeck won t...

• Word Count: 1667
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School