Grapes Of Wrath Setting Analysis

The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck depicts actual historic settings. The settings within the novel are the Great Depression of the 1930’s and the effects of the Dust Bowl on the Midwest. Thousands of families became homeless, causing them to travel to the West in hopes to receive a job. During this difficult time, the Joad family traveled and, at times, lived in the family car. Once they arrived in California, they also had to endure such hardships as staying in the Hooverville Camp as well as the Weed Patch Camp. Created by the Dust Bowl, the family had to give up valuable belongings in order to travel to the Golden State. At the beginning of the Joad’s journey westward, they traveled and lived in their family vehicle during the rough times. According to Calisphere, “About 200,000 of the migrants headed for California” ( ). Typical of migrating families, the Joad family would use materials such as tarps and clothing to add onto their vehicles. The usage of these materials gave extra shelter to the entire family. While being close-knit in a makeshift home, the Joad’s were grateful to be with one another during these drastic times.

The family was informed not only was there sufficient work for everyone, but the few jobs there were didn’t pay what was expected. In the We Had Everything But Money, Stanley Cryor’s pay went from $107 a week in 1931, to $50 a week by 1934 (51). In The Grapes of Wrath, the Joad family’s first camp in Hooverville showed the lack of sanitary condition and acceptable wages. In Hooverville the families were all competing for same jobs. This created havoc within the camp causing all families including the Joad family to search elsewhere for employment. Tom realizes the need to find a more sufficient camp. Tom says, “Gonna look for that gov’ment camp”