Selflessness In The Grapes Of Wrath

Self Indulgence People throughout their entire lives are encouraged to believe in selflessness, that selflessness is a necessary attribute we must have in order to construct ourselves and others feel better about life. Yet when one is selfish, many people around that person suffer, some much more than others. That is evident, in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath short sections filled with historical information at first appear to be greatly pointless yet when investigated further one starts to understand that it is actually useful context that provides evidence towards the underlying selfish, egotistical nature of humanity. Throughout the book, usually every other chapter is filled with useful historical information one can then apply to the actual storyline. At first, the chapters are confusing since there seem to be multiple stories the book is addressing, yet then it just becomes one gargantuan picture. Steinbeck had his purposes, and he wanted us to focus on multiple stories and concepts and not just the Joads and their story, “Steinbeck desired to make the reader participate in the narrative of the Joads; nevertheless he also wanted the reader to identify and feel the pathos and the futility of their situation,” (TheBestNote). Thus, creating the book with 30 chapters yet only 14 that actually speak of the Joads story. Steinbeck also wanted us to show us the grim part of the nation at the time beyond the …show more content…
This final scene emphasizes the idea and concept we need to all have, selflessness. Rose of Sharon gives a part of herself to this man who is on the brim of death while she, had just lost someone of value to her. She could’ve been bitter and denied food to the man, yet she chose to be selfless and be superior than those running the