Grapes Of Wrath Dichotomy Analysis

Of all the diametrically opposed forces that hold sway on human consciousness, one dichotomy reigns supreme, altruism versus egoism. As such, this division is often explored in arts of all forms, literature in particular. In the context of American culture as a whole, perhaps no book better explores this dichotomy than John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath, in which an oklahoman family is forced to migrate to california in order to escape the dust bowl. Indeed, as most who have explored a concept fully, Steinbeck chooses to venerate one half of the dichotomy, that side being altruism, to the point of iconoclasm. Throughout the novel, one is continuously assured of Steinbeck’s communist world view. However, one can only understand a text by examining the events. Steinbeck guides the reader through three basic epochs in of the Joad family history. In the first, the Joads are rural Oklahoman farmers. This period establishes a normal family life that will Steinbeck will systematically subvert. After they are forced from the farm by debt their farm, and the others in the area, are sold to a single man, and

This plantation offers a view of what extreme institutional egoism represents. In all respects, the plantation is a authoritarian plutocracy. Indeed, there are those in obvious positions of dominance over the masses, and the masses are forced to work for less than a living wage. With all of the Joads working, the family is barely able to survive, even with wages drastically increased due to strikebreaking. Interestingly, this strike is lead by Casy, a man who was once a passive observer, has become the epitome of a man of action. However, Casey, in true messianic fashion, would soon be killed by private police. His final words would be, “You don’t know what you’re a-doin’.” Tom, enraged by this action, would kill Casey’s murderer, forcing the family to