The Grapes of Wrath Review Themes All of

The Grapes of Wrath Review

Themes • All of themes are clearly developed throughout the novel. • The themes are developed both through the plot involving the Joad family and through Steinbeck’s social commentary. • In particular, theme of the individual vs. society is reflected through many different characters.

Importance of the Social Commentary • Steinbeck felt it was more important than the narrative of the Joad family. • What are some examples of the social commentary? • How do the intercalary chapters contribute to the expression of social commentary?

Relevance to Today • Obviously, today’s financial conditions may be compared to the financial collapse of the 1930 s. • But…how would Steinbeck’s message change if he were writing about our current financial situation? • Who are today’s business and government leaders who would figure into a modernized version of The Grapes of Wrath?

Mixed Appeal • Consider why Steinbeck’s prose in The Grapes of Wrath is hard for some high school students to read and finish. • How did the social conditions of the 1930 s contribute to the novel’s mixed reception when it was first published? (Remember: it was burned publicly at the same time that it had long waiting lists at public libraries. )

Jim Casy/Jesus Christ • Steinbeck makes careful connections between the character of Jim Casy and Jesus Christ. • What are some examples of this? • Does this parallel to Christ contribute to or detract from the quality of The Grapes of Wrath?

The Great Depression • Everyone became a victim. • How did the Depression affect people of all social classes? • Consider some examples from The Grapes of Wrath that show both the migrants and the landowners were impacted by the financial crisis.

The Character of Tom Joad • Tom Joad is a dynamic character. • Consider some examples of how Tom goes through changes during the novel. • What is the nature of these changes in terms of Tom’s view of himself and the world? • In what significant ways does Jim Casy’s philosophy affect Tom?

In Summary… • Themes • Importance of the Social Commentary • Relevance to Today • Mixed Appeal • Jim Casy/Jesus Christ • The Great Depression • The Character of Tom Joad