An Analysis of Grandpa Joad of Grapes of Wrath

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Grandpa’s Grapes
(An Analysis of Grandpa Joad of Grapes of Wrath)

John Steinbeck once stated: “If he needs a million acres to make him feel rich, seems to me he needs it 'cause he feels awful poor inside hisself, and if he's poor in hisself, there ain't no million acres gonna make him feel rich, an' maybe he's disappointed that nothin' he can do 'll make him feel rich.” The classic text Grapes of Wrath contains several characters with a considerable amount of depth. Characters like Tom and Ma Joad are usually celebrated for their symbolism and dialogue. I feel as though Grandpa Joad is a highly underrated character in Steinbeck’s text Grapes of Wrath.
Tom Joad’s grandfather has a deep appreciation for the land he lives on. Individuals that grew up in the times of the Great Depression often find themselves holding onto anything that has their name to it. Grandpa says in the scene where his farm is being taken away: “It's my dirt! Eh-heh! No good, but it's - it's mine, all mine.” Grandpa does not care that the land is no longer fertile. All he cares about is the sentimentality of hi...

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