"Twenty families became one family." - Quote from Chapter 20
The quote above is what I believe to be the most important quote of the novel, because, to me, it clearly states the theme of the novel. I believe that in the Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck was not only giving an insight into one families adventure to California, but also, an insight into humanities' ability to either live or die in a time of hardships. In this case, society comes together and not only lives, but thrives, showing the theme that in a time of hardships, society can and will come together, like a family and thrive.
One character, in the Grapes of Wrath, that I believe clearly shows their knowledge that families must stick together to keep going on/ living, is Ma. Throughout the novel Ma proves to be the stable piece of the family, and the one who must keep the family strong, even when she is not feeling very strong herself. When Noah decides to go off on his own, Ma says " this family is falling apart" because she understands that the family get not thrive, let alone live, if there is not enough support. Because of all of the losses the Joads' face on the way to California, Ma realizes that allowing the Wilson's to tag along with them would be very helpful to keep the family strong, and to allow them to thrive. Because of these characteristics, I believe Ma is one of the most important ways the theme is expressed in the novel.
Another character who I believe grows the most to achieve the characteristics of Ma is Rose of Sharon. At the beginning of the novel Rose doesn't show many qualities that prove to be helpful to her family, other than her deep love and care for her baby. Throughout the novel Rose is put in situations where she must learn to let others take care of her, and allow herself to take care of others, because she begins to understand that to keep her baby strong, she must be strong, and for her to be strong, her family must be strong. In the end when Rose suckles the starving man, I believe she has realized that if she " comes together" she and others will be able to thrive.
Throughout the novel I think the one place that symbolizes the theme of the book is Weedpatch Camp. When the Joads arrive at this camp, they are astonished by how nice it is compared with the other camps they've stayed at. The reason this camp is so nice is because the camp is not a group of families, but instead one big family. Everyone at the camp helps eachother allowing the camp and the campers to thrive. This is what I believe is the true meaning of The Grapes of Wrath, and what I believeto be the reason that this novel is a classic, time after time.
Your first paragraph reminds me of a theme in Alas, Babylon. Though Alas, Babylon was based on a fictional situation, and The Grapes of Wrath was based on what nonfiction historical depression, both of the novels portray the same theme you stated: "in a time of hardships, society can and will come together, like a family and thrive"
ReplyDeleteI think that Rose of Sharon's growth as a character can also represent that theme. Initially she was selfish, as you said. But the novel ends with her cradling the starving man, which shows that she abondened her selfishness and became "family" with the man.
Wouldn't the world be a much more peaceful place if we could all come together and thrive? Competition is ugly; it is necessary in order to surivive, but it is ugly. I think if a person finds his or her inner stregth, then he or she will surivive. What does really matter in life? Family? Money? Friends? Toys? I think this book is a great contrast to Gatsby and will offer some insight to what times were like prior to the Great Depression. The Joads knew what the roaring 20's were like, and now they had that wealth taken from them.
ReplyDeleteGood job on your post!