Morality In John Steinbeck's The Grapes Of Wrath

Representative John Lewis once said, "Sometimes you have to violate a rule of law to uphold a greater law, a moral law." The controversy surrounding law and morality is one that every society faces, whether it be in real life or a work of fiction. Many question the groundwork of these ideologies, struggling with the conscience thought of right and wrong. For instance, if a man is attacked, and he struggles and kills his attacker, has he committed a crime? Some will argue that the man is innocent for it is an act of self-defense; others will disagree, claiming the man still broke the law, hence making him guilty. In this situation, society now faces a problem regarding the law and their own morality. The different attitudes the people hold for …show more content…
In The Grapes of Wrath, migrant families must survive while experiencing the struggles of homelessness and little money. Many times, the characters question the common practices of society and uncover its wrongfulness, forcing a change within themselves. Similarly, throughout The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the characters' cognizance renders their change of heart and morals. During their lifetimes, Huck and Miss Watson are exposed to laws and cultures that uphold and accept the practice of slavery. Yet, they question laws and integrity surrounding the institution. Despite the authors' obvious attitude toward the law and morality, Steinbeck and Twain uncover flaws within the debate. Morals and the law can both be righteous, even if the lines are not completely clear. Steinbeck and Twain address their side of the issue with intense passion, while also explaining how there can be a middle ground. The issue concerning the law and morality is not simply black and white. Yes, there is the obvious knowledge of right and wrong; but there is a great deal more. Perhaps Steinbeck and Twain are trying to address the vast grey area and the mess of blurry lines that lie within