The Importance Of Color In The Grapes Of Wrath

Scientists and researchers have dedicated a lot of time in order to seek the answer on how colors can affect the brain and the process taken when seeing certain colors. In many situations authors use colors and pictures to help readers create an image, but in some cases writers use color to help understand and symbolize the deeper meanings that lie within the novel. The Grapes of Wrath, written by John Steinbeck is a novel written in the 1930s explaining the lives of migrant farmers trying to survive the Dust Bowl and the responsibilities that come along with surviving, where the author uses color theories to help readers understand. Many colors can be used to show meaning, although Steinbeck analyzes the color red throughout the novel as a crucial aspect to illustrate a deeper meaning. In The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck uses the color red to symbolize the struggle, blood being both life and death, and characteristics within the lives of migrant farmers to not only paint a picture, but to show a deeper understanding of the despair in their lives.

Red being just a color also has many aspects. The color can symbolize anger, death, struggle, blood, and determination. For example, when someone is said to be angry, one will “see red.” As well as red being a powerful color, when in the everyday life a stop sign, fire truck, ambulance, red stop light, one will take action when seeing the color. When receiving a “red alert” one will be at the highest point of threat and will also take action. The color red is apart of the warm color group, along with orange and yellow, which all are said to represent warmth and caution. Red is a bright color that carries many aspects.