The article, “Symbolism in the Grapes of Wrath”, by Eric Carlson, is a detailed journal, published in College English, which explores the impact of John Steinbeck’s plentiful inclusion of prominent naturalistic symbols in the novel, and their effects on developing the theme. His main focus is the primary symbolic structure and how it is constructed, as well as examining Rose of Sharon’s pregnancy, the environment, and the turtle in great depth as the three most significant symbols which highlight the importance of hope, faith, and perseverance. This is undoubtedly a credible and scholarly source as it makes use of specific and direct quotations from …show more content…
This journal article is relevant to my ISU novel and thesis statement because it explicitly examines symbolism to be a dominant …show more content…
Griffin explains that the various types of vehicles, tractors, and machinery are obvious symbols of status, the predicaments of thousands, and at times, the bestial side of human affairs. He also focuses on animals such as the Joads’ dog, the turtle, wild cats, and gophers and examines them as crucially important symbols of the human condition. This is undoubtedly a scholarly and credible source because the article uses multiple significant and direct examples from the novel to accurately justify his claim of symbols being apparent throughout the book. For instance, Griffin makes specific reference to the wild cats from the abandoned crop fields that still roam, hoping to find the plenteous land they once knew. He uses this to explain how they symbolize the primitive desire of the migrant workers to survive. This journal article is relevant to my ISU novel because it emphasizes the dramatic influence of Steinbeck’s symbolism on shaping the theme of the saving power of hope. I plan on using this source in my first body paragraph to support the argument that animals are symbolic for human behaviour in the face of new