How Does Steinbeck Use Language In Chapter Twenty-One

In chapter twenty-one, Steinbeck introduces a logical argument, which, through rhetorical strategies such as word choice, tone, foreshadowing, and ethos, he was able to enhance the hostile emotions that were accumulated by the migrants and poor farmers and foreshadow that the oppression of them would be the downfall of the industry. The word choice chapter twenty-one provided, was a very important aspect to the overall meaning Steinbeck was trying to convey. In the opening of the chapter the Okies were traveling in search of jobs. Steinbeck's phrases in these descriptions include, “highways were streams of people” and “they scampered about, looking for work.” (283). These phrases provided the interpretation that the okies are innocent. Steinbeck could have used harsh words to describe them and their actions, however he made the choice not to. This choice was important in shifting the view of the okies to show that they are not the issue in society, it is, in fact, the big business who are the enemy. As the chapter progressed, however, the phrases became more harsh. When it came to point where Steinbeck introduced the poor farmers, he used phrases including, “the local people whipped themselves into a mold of cruelty.” (284) The language, which was less

The treatment of the Okies by other humans would not be sustainable in the long run, and Steinbeck foreshadows this in chapter twenty-one. Steinbeck ends the chapter with, “The great companies did not know that the line between hunger and anger is a thin line...and the anger began to ferment.” (284) This line, while closing the chapter, overall signifies one of Steinbeck's messages. If the group of people suffering grows and grows, the hostility will weld and unite them, while the anger from those who have wronged them builds up. They will be the driving force to the downfall of the