“Fear the time when Manself will not suffer and die for a concept, for this one quality is foundation of Manself, and this one quality is man, distinctive in the universe” (151). Thickening the division between the wealthy and wrathful, the Great depression stirred the cauldron of anger. Written to encompass the infuriation of the impoverished, the Grapes of Wrath visualizes the cruel consequences of selfishness, greed, and the inhumane treatment of the refugees. Steinbeck successfully creates his argument for the replacement of the capitalist system by highlighting the corrupt motivation of profit, illustrating the positives of socialism, and emphasizing his foresight of a Socialist America.
Utilizing the setting of the migrant crisis, Steinbeck …show more content…
Because the scarceness of the desolate drought wasteland creates immense demand for automobile transportation, the salesmen capitalize on the desperation. “Listen, Jim, I heard that Chevvy’s rear end. Sounds like a bustin’ bottles. Squirt in a couple of quarts of sawdust… We got to move that lemon for thirty-five dollars” (62). Like draining the blood of a fresh slaughter, the vehicle merchants deplete the impoverished migrants of scarce capital in order to maximize profits. By expertly accentuating the exploiting tactics of the businessmen, the author displays the horrors of capitalism, reinforces his argument, and stamps his perspective upon the mind of the reader. Thus, by using the character of the salesmen, Steinbeck conveys his message of the uncontrollable, inhumane, and cruel capitalist system of economics. In addition, the author exhibits the unfairness of the private ownership structure by illuminating the eviction of tenants due to a scarcity of profits. “For your three dollars a day fifteen or twenty families can’t eat at all” (37). …show more content…
Steinbeck, displaying his vision of the future, promotes a communal, utilitarian, and cooperative America. In other words, Steinbeck strives for an eradication of social division between mankind and an establishment of a communist society through the realization of an oversoul. “They streamed over the mountains, hungry and restless, restless as ants, scurrying to find work to do, to lift, to push, to pull, to pick, to cut anything, any burden to bear, for food… Like ants scurrying for work, for food, and most of all for land” (233). Proving the validity of the system, humans share commonality of group behavior with nature. As a result, America transforms into a thriving whole, with individuals acting like ants; each member of society with a purpose, thus, contributing to a functioning colony striving for a utilitarianist goal. Hence, the possibility of Steinbeck’s utopian America relies on a central assumption, mankind is simply a fractured colony yearning for unity. With this assumption, the socialist system of Steinbeck utilizes the human characteristics of mob mentality, groupthink, and the desire for community to benefit society and as a result demonstrate the success of the system if established within
Utilizing the setting of the migrant crisis, Steinbeck …show more content…
Because the scarceness of the desolate drought wasteland creates immense demand for automobile transportation, the salesmen capitalize on the desperation. “Listen, Jim, I heard that Chevvy’s rear end. Sounds like a bustin’ bottles. Squirt in a couple of quarts of sawdust… We got to move that lemon for thirty-five dollars” (62). Like draining the blood of a fresh slaughter, the vehicle merchants deplete the impoverished migrants of scarce capital in order to maximize profits. By expertly accentuating the exploiting tactics of the businessmen, the author displays the horrors of capitalism, reinforces his argument, and stamps his perspective upon the mind of the reader. Thus, by using the character of the salesmen, Steinbeck conveys his message of the uncontrollable, inhumane, and cruel capitalist system of economics. In addition, the author exhibits the unfairness of the private ownership structure by illuminating the eviction of tenants due to a scarcity of profits. “For your three dollars a day fifteen or twenty families can’t eat at all” (37). …show more content…
Steinbeck, displaying his vision of the future, promotes a communal, utilitarian, and cooperative America. In other words, Steinbeck strives for an eradication of social division between mankind and an establishment of a communist society through the realization of an oversoul. “They streamed over the mountains, hungry and restless, restless as ants, scurrying to find work to do, to lift, to push, to pull, to pick, to cut anything, any burden to bear, for food… Like ants scurrying for work, for food, and most of all for land” (233). Proving the validity of the system, humans share commonality of group behavior with nature. As a result, America transforms into a thriving whole, with individuals acting like ants; each member of society with a purpose, thus, contributing to a functioning colony striving for a utilitarianist goal. Hence, the possibility of Steinbeck’s utopian America relies on a central assumption, mankind is simply a fractured colony yearning for unity. With this assumption, the socialist system of Steinbeck utilizes the human characteristics of mob mentality, groupthink, and the desire for community to benefit society and as a result demonstrate the success of the system if established within