The Grapes of Wrath undoubtedly demonstrated the conflicts that American families endured on their journey from the Dust Bowl to California. This novel was written by John Steinbeck, a novelist and writer who witnessed the discrimination farmers had to tolerate on their migration to California. This gruesome journey caused misery, agony, regret among various families. Still, a majority of these families clung onto something crucial: their religion. The families prayed to God for their prosperity in finding a job in California; though their efforts were futile. This quote exquisitely explains the massive influence of religion throughout the novel: “I ain’t a preacher no more, but all the time I find I’m prayin’, not even thinkin’ what I’m
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They wash and cleanse in the Colorado River, leaving an immense impact on a character named, Noah Joad: “I was in that there water. An’ I ain’t gonna leave her. I’m a-goona go now, Tom—down the river.” (Steinbeck 208-209). This quote exhibits the baptism of Noah Joad in the Colorado River. Baptism is defined as the rebirth of the soul and the cleansing of the body. Noah told Tom about his wishes of becoming independent and living his life by the Colorado River. As Noah cleansed in the river, he fulfills his wish of solitariness and peacefulness from the family; which ultimately influences his decision of leaving. This is paralleled throughout the numerous baptisms in the bible: “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16). Baptism is used similarly in the Bible. It’s thoroughly shown when John baptized Jesus; allowing Jesus to be completely revitalized as a Christian. Correspondingly, both Noah’s and Jesus’ destinies are currently unknown at this time. Their baptism gave them a clean slate and a chance to do anything. Noah felt compelled to leave the family because he felt unloved and wanted a new meaning to his life. Also, he witnessed the demise of his grandfather and he left before his faith could soon worsen. Simply Noah left because he felt unappreciated by his family; which leads him to his baptism in the river. After Noah leaves the family, its unknown what happens to him; he would likely perish due to the living conditions during the Dust Bowl. Thus, resulting in the eventual grief and lose the family would
They wash and cleanse in the Colorado River, leaving an immense impact on a character named, Noah Joad: “I was in that there water. An’ I ain’t gonna leave her. I’m a-goona go now, Tom—down the river.” (Steinbeck 208-209). This quote exhibits the baptism of Noah Joad in the Colorado River. Baptism is defined as the rebirth of the soul and the cleansing of the body. Noah told Tom about his wishes of becoming independent and living his life by the Colorado River. As Noah cleansed in the river, he fulfills his wish of solitariness and peacefulness from the family; which ultimately influences his decision of leaving. This is paralleled throughout the numerous baptisms in the bible: “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16). Baptism is used similarly in the Bible. It’s thoroughly shown when John baptized Jesus; allowing Jesus to be completely revitalized as a Christian. Correspondingly, both Noah’s and Jesus’ destinies are currently unknown at this time. Their baptism gave them a clean slate and a chance to do anything. Noah felt compelled to leave the family because he felt unloved and wanted a new meaning to his life. Also, he witnessed the demise of his grandfather and he left before his faith could soon worsen. Simply Noah left because he felt unappreciated by his family; which leads him to his baptism in the river. After Noah leaves the family, its unknown what happens to him; he would likely perish due to the living conditions during the Dust Bowl. Thus, resulting in the eventual grief and lose the family would