The Grapes of Wrath Character Research Essay How can one single person be such a positive influence on every single person around them? Jim Casy in The Grapes of Wrath manages to positively influence the Joad family, the main family in the novel, by leading them from Oklahoma to California. Without Casy, the Joad family would not be able to complete their pilgrimage half way across the United States. Casy is a holy and positive figure in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath because he is a figure of Jesus and helps the Joad Family across the country. Casy had multiple similarities to Jesus Christ. Casy was an astounding preacher in his lifetime. Casy was so great at it that he would get the people “ talkin’ in tongues” and “baptise them” (Steinbeck 21). Casy was a person who lived a life in a way that Jesus did. He would strive to live the best way that he could. “His last words recall those of Christ on the cross” is another way Casy is similar to Jesus (Stanley par. 31). He said words like Jesus and acted like Jesus. Casy would try to be a positive influence on every situation. Casy wanted to live “in a way Jesus did” by preaching and teaching about Christianity (McCoppin par. 11). He often referred to the Bible throughout his time in the novel. Casy was a living portrayal of Jesus through his personality, leadership, and influence. Casy was a very positive influence on the life of Tom Joad. Tom Joad is the main character in The Grapes of Wrath. Joad spent four