Grapes Of Wrath Virtue Analysis

The conflict between sin and virtue in Of Mice and Men is a classic example of John Steinbeck's ability to exemplify the characteristics of man -- spiritually and intellectually. Steinbeck embodies the altruistic, innocent nature of man when portraying virtuous Lennie Small and the great, ignorance of man when illustrating sinful Curley. Similarly, John Steinbeck continues to embody the importance of spiritual faith through his depiction of migrant families during the Dust Bowl in The Grapes of Wrath. Steinbeck depicts the brutality of the harmful, deadly conditions for families in the Midwest; he appeals to society’s strong connection to religious aspects-- as well as society’s strong need to aid other citizens -- as he embodies biblical

Jim Casy fills the role as a man of wisdom:"Maybe I can preach again. Folks out lonely on ... to. They got to have some kind of home" (Steinbeck 76). Jim Casy not only shares initials with Jesus Christ, but also provides a beacon of hope in desperate times. Steinbeck personifies Casy to portray Jesus Christ through his self-sacrifice in order to enlighten others; he did not merely preach the word of unity and hope, “but [experiences] life’s hardship first hand alongside others—in a way Jesus did as well” (McCoppin). As an ex-preacher, Jim Casy lost sight of established religion in an individual's life due to his own beliefs: "Maybe all men got one big soul ever'body's a part of"(Steinbeck 33). In grave situations, as humans, many disregard the care of others and prioritize his or hers own needs above everyone else’s; however, Jim Casy served as a martyr to change society’s view as he transforms migrant workers from self-evolved to a united community; he unifies society as many seek his guidance, altering a selfish, “I” society to a bound, “We” community. “Like Jesus, Jim has rejected an old religion and is in process of replacing it with a new gospel” (Carlson). He demonstrates his personal responsibility to spread his knowledge to others; furthermore, Jim Casy sacrifices himself in order to save mankind similar to Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Jim Casy serves to

John Steinbeck utilizes the Joad family to portray the numerous struggles families faced during the Dust Bowl, “‘Name’s Joad, Tom Joad’” (Steinbeck 13). Similar to the eighteenth book of the Old Testament,the family name foreshadows a series of obstacles that will test the family and the family’s faith in a higher power like that of Job. The hopeful family is continuous put to the test forcing them to face tragedy and difficulty, but must stay true to their faith throughout the novel. Oppressed from their land -- like the Hebrews in the Old Testament, the family must set out seeking their “Garden of Eden” in California: “66 is the path in flight, refugees from dust and shrinking land, from the thunder of tractors and shrinking land, from the thunder of tractors and shrinking ownership, from the desert’s slow northward invasion… from the floods that bring no richness to the land and steal what little richness is there” (Steinbeck 160). Leaving the shelter and only physical binding of the family, the family must “flee from oppression, wander through a wilderness of hardships, seeking their own Promised Land” (Carlson). However, unlike the Hebrews that wandered seeking the Promise Land, the Joads never find it. Similarly, the wandering family is led to the Promise Land by a leader, Jim Casey; the twelve members of the Joad family symbolizes Christ’s