The Grapes of Wrath Chapters Analysis Paper Example

Chapter 1-3

The length of every chapter of The Grapes of Wrath intrigued me. The uniqueness of the writing style caught my attention immediately after opening the book. The use of the poetic narrative method by Steinbeck employing the figurative language develops the novel's tone conveying vital insights about the things discussed in the novel. The portrayal of the slow spreading of decay in every part of the country shows the unjust tone of the book.

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Chapter 1 showed me the importance of unity and the ability to overcome the damage caused by environmental catastrophe. The act of men refusing to break out showed me the determination they had. Steinbeck uses a poetic narrative style coupled with a figurative language that portrays the tone of the novel; it also shows few intuitions about the Dust Bowl. I love the way he utilizes these styles in odd-numbered chapters of the book to give a general idea of the Dust Bowl and the emigration of thousands of people to California. Steinbeck portrays high knowledge and understanding of farming and ecology in Oklahoma, moreover making a close connection with different families depicts his generosity. In chapter 2, I love the communication skills of Tom Joad because he looks like a decent man before and after leaving jail. Although there is a contrast between Tom, the driver, he displays the high quality of friendliness. A new theme of abuse is shown by selfishness, particularly in bigger businesses. In chapter 3, the dialogue of Tom Joad and the truck driver as they are traveling to the south made me remember my childhood at my home in the south. In this chapter, I learn that humankind continues to grow no matter the challenges they encounter in the process. In section 3, Steinbeck represents a significant symbol in the land turtle, which move slowly. It is single-minded and concentrates on its way one-step after another. Steinbeck refers this to Joads family and equivalent families moving to California. The family focuses on the present and takes one step at a time and avoiding forces that are beyond their that might be out of their control.

Chapter 4-6

In chapter 4, I am particularly impressed when Steinbeck is contrasting Jim Casy and Tom Joad and changes their characters through symbolizing the land turtle. Tom denotes the turtle as a bulldozer that Steinbeck builds on in chapter 5. The character referred as Jim Casey intrigued me on the introduction section. It is easy to understand his last occupation of being a preacher, his way of living, and conclusions about his life. Personal information of Jim Casey capture people's trends. Individuals critic others for various aims, the things I like concerning the characters in the book is that it is hard for them to judge each other even with their polluted history. The book states that 'there is no sin and there is no good point because it is just things that people do and it is all part of the similar activity' takes my attention because I firmly believe that the statement is true. In chapter 6, Steinbeck personalizes the idea of individuals vacating their land thereby depicting a theme of selfishness and humbleness. The author also characterizes Muley Graves who has established a firm bond with his land that he refuses to leave for California and Steinbeck gives him a name that strongly reflects his character. Moreover, in chapter 6, Steinbeck differs the reactions of Tom and Casy regarding the abandoned house and Muley's descriptions.

I have encountered human nature, and people sin, and it is not necessarily that a reasonable person does only moral actions, but they get tempted in their life process to practice immoral behaviors. My wonder is the thinking of Jim Casey towards Tom Joad from their first encounter. Muley refusing to abandon his land teaches determination and connection between families. I also learn from his loneliness and diminishing sanity that family is significant.

Chapter 7

In this chapter, the story has a profound meaning, and it is narrated from the voice of a used-car salesman who was selfish and only cared about his cars at high prices. Today, with the low economy, people tend to climb to the top failing to worry about the people they negatively affect in the process. The current world has dark instances and individuals with more dark thoughts. We should learn from the faults and activities of these people to try to be different.

Chapter 8

I like chapter eight as it discusses family. Being around our families is the most vital thing in life, and the story shows that no matter what mistakes a person does in their life, the family is always there to forgive and accept you back in their lives. Jim Casy and Joad portray this idea when they band together to overcome the challenges that endanger their lives. The only individuals who can uplift and support you when you fall or make mistakes are your family.

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 is very touching by the level at which the tenant farmers were subjected to sacrifices. Majority of the poor farmers sold everything to get the fare to travel to California. The world we are living has its worst moments, and the experience of the poor farmers was one of them. Various people take things occurring in their lives lightly. It is our obligation to or not to appreciate the things that happen in our lives inclusive of the small experiences. This is because; we do not know the moment the right things will be taken away from us.

Chapter 10

The harm done by a greedy mind is an incredible contrast to what a person would wish for. The harm leaves a person's mind in total awe. Damage of families, remembrances, and the living of other people is awful to observe, and it is even worse to be part of the destruction. It is hard to believe that these activities still happen in today's communities. The questions we can ask ourselves are; have we not grown as individuals sufficient to look past individual greediness and achievement? Have we too vanished in our requirements that we lack the meaning of other people being in our lives?

Chapter 11

The remaining lands that tenant farmers once occupied are deserted and are only operated by machines. This incurred to me the fact that some individuals do not know the harm they cause others when they only care about themselves. People are born sinners with minds full of sin upon perception; all I can pray is for the situation to change. Steinbeck differs with the mechanical farming techniques utilized by the Bank Monster with many human methods used by resident farmers.

Chapter 12

The idea of strange things happening whereby, some things may be cruel, and others are beautiful making the faith to be strong always, intrigued the fact that it is authentic in all circumstances. People's hardship is among the bitterest parts of life but concerning on the way a person handles the condition, and it might be a positive transformation in the mentioned individual's life. People are beautiful and hopeful even in their hard situations.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 enlightened me that even in the environment surrounded by greedy people, kind individuals are helping the needy people. The chapter prompted me of the story in the Bible of the Good Samaritan. I have learned that no matter how bad a person feels, another person is feeling worse and it is good to offer help.

Chapter 14

Supporting good activities is among the hard tasks to practice. Evil, after realizing that it has happened, turns to a coward after being threatened by the individuals it was prompted. Evil runs away from justice and fights against the good doings with every immoral acts essence comprises. This incurred to me in the thought that regardless of a person's feeling of losing hope, it is not right to give up in a fight.

Chapter 15

Involving myself in chapter 15 was fun because connecting with the characters is very easy. Mae was doubtful and used to spread rumors about the tenant farmers. However, Mae realized the challenges faced by the tenant farmers and believed in them. The situation is relative with the way people view the homeless individuals and the discomfort associated with them borrowing money from us. This chapter educated me on helping others because in the future I might also need help from others.