Transcending Biology Jim Casy’s growing understanding of humanity throughout The Grapes of Wrath illustrated the novel’s greater theme that kindness is a very powerful force. After initially mourning the fact that he grew more distant from tradition, Casy became firm in his new beliefs. He believed that people should act for the betterment of humanity, a family much older and greater than any single person. Later on, Casy put his beliefs to practice by sacrificing himself for the sake of others. Casy’s wisdom inspired Tom to go and encourage people to confront those who would destroy others to advance themselves. Casy’s transformation illustrated the power of kindness because it allowed him to live on through Tom even after death. Before
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“I knocked out your man there” (pg. 363). Because he truly believed that people were just individual pieces of humanity, Casy gladly sacrificed himself for the sake of Tom and his family. While in jail, Casy learned about the power of cooperation and became a critic of exploitation and materialism. “You’re helping to starve kids” (pg. 527). In utter knowledge that his activism had compromised his safety, Casy spoke his mind to the guards and died with a sound mind. “[When I die] I’ll be all aroun’ in the dark … Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat” (pg. 572). Casy’s selfless kindness was so powerful that it inspired Tom to fearlessly confront injustice. Steinbeck portrayed Casy’s life and its huge effect on Tom to exemplify the power of kindness. In conclusion, Jim Casy’s transition from a troubled thinker to a martyred sage of the human spirit illustrated Steinbeck’s central message concerning the power of kindness. After initially mourning his departure from tradition, Casy gained a deep understanding of humanity. In knowledge that individuals are just members of a much greater family, Casy boldly sacrificed himself for others. His selflessness was so powerful that it transformed Tom’s perspective on life and allowed Casy to live on through his
“I knocked out your man there” (pg. 363). Because he truly believed that people were just individual pieces of humanity, Casy gladly sacrificed himself for the sake of Tom and his family. While in jail, Casy learned about the power of cooperation and became a critic of exploitation and materialism. “You’re helping to starve kids” (pg. 527). In utter knowledge that his activism had compromised his safety, Casy spoke his mind to the guards and died with a sound mind. “[When I die] I’ll be all aroun’ in the dark … Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat” (pg. 572). Casy’s selfless kindness was so powerful that it inspired Tom to fearlessly confront injustice. Steinbeck portrayed Casy’s life and its huge effect on Tom to exemplify the power of kindness. In conclusion, Jim Casy’s transition from a troubled thinker to a martyred sage of the human spirit illustrated Steinbeck’s central message concerning the power of kindness. After initially mourning his departure from tradition, Casy gained a deep understanding of humanity. In knowledge that individuals are just members of a much greater family, Casy boldly sacrificed himself for others. His selflessness was so powerful that it transformed Tom’s perspective on life and allowed Casy to live on through his