Grapes Of Wrath Journey Analysis

In John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath we learn of a long and strenuous journey by the Joad family. Then of course in How To Read Literature Like a Professor the title of the very first chapter is "Every Trip is a Quest" which is indefinitely expressed throughout the entire book of The Grapes of Wrath. The theme "Every Trip is a Quest" can be a common theme through any journey or trip in life, whether a literal trip or a personal journey throughout daily life. In The Grapes of Wrath one can analyze this theme and break it down into different sections; life leading to the journey, information relating to Tom Joad, and both minor and major setbacks throughout their journey to California through Route 66. At the beginning of the book we learn of Tom's release from prison, but also of his missing family, Tom of course if the quester. Already this gives ideas that Tom has had a hard life, with more hardship to come. Along with Jim Casy, a former preacher, Tom finds his family at his Uncle John's home. The family had left and background information tells it is because they lived in Oklahoma during both the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. This story is already forming to fit the theme. Upon Tom's …show more content…
Obviously we know of his release from prison, for manslaughter that we do not know much about other than the self defense aspect. He breaks his parole to accompany his family to Cali, which shows a personal loyalty to the Joad family. Tom once again kills a man after Jim is killed by police brutally and unlawfully. A really important factor is that Tom dynamically changes, from one who doesn't care to improve labor conditions, life in poverty, etc., to one who works excessively to advance life quality in these times. A large reason for this is the death of his fellow Jim Casy, so that Tom carried out his work. These facts prove crucial to making the dramatic and strange end to this story