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Examples Of Overcoming Oppression In The Grapes Of Wrath

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Overcoming Oppression
The Grapes of Wrath was written by John Steinbeck and is a story of overcoming oppression. When the dust bowl runs the Joad family off of their land in Oklahoma they are forced to leave with what they can fit into their truck and the little bit of money they have. The book puts you in the shoes of someone taking an unwanted journey to somewhere they are not welcome. The Grapes of Wrath shows how everyone is part of a bigger community, how religious people are seen as gullible, and how socialism unifies communities.
The theme of community is consistently shown all throughout their journey. Before they had to move, the Joads were a part of a big community with their neighbors. They all saw each other as family and …show more content…

Steinbeck uses his own views of religion in the book. There are many Biblical elements added in and religious acts, they serve to make Steinbeck's point of mocking religion. In the beginning of the book Casey says he believes that there is no such thing as right or wrong but "There's just stuff people do" (Steinbeck 23). Casey is still looked upon as a role model and an example of religion even though he left all of his beliefs. It makes believers look naïve and uneducated that they will still believe anything he says; no matter how ridiculous or unorthodox. When Grampa dies Gramma calls Casey in to pray over him. The prayer that Casey says is just a bunch of biblical elements jumbled together, none of it from the heart. Still, Gramma is jumping around and screaming hallelujah (Steinbeck …show more content…

He shows how hand- outs destroy a person's dignity. When ma is just trying to give some children a little bit of stew one of the mothers is very angry and ashamed that someone else is feeding her child (Steinbeck 253-259). This shows how Weedpatch camp runs much more smoothly; if someone is in need they can go to the camp director to feed their kids instead of having to be ashamed of someone else feeding their children. It's also a much more open environment where everyone seems like family or old friends as soon as you meet the, "Seems funny. I've et your food, and I ain't tol' you my name- nor you ain't mentioned yours" (Steinbeck 292). Steinbeck shows how socialism can bring people closer together and stronger through the

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