G.O.W

Reading Grapes of Wrath was quite the workload. It took time to understand the structured ways John Steinbeck chose to write.

It was a mixture of so many things.

Ranging from hospitality, to the historical background of the Oklahoma farmers moving to the greenery of California, to the travels of many seeking a better life, how family had to fight to stick together, who really kept the family going, sacrficies, friendships, helping others even when they’re suffering, and hope, to have hope for a better tomorrow no matter what.

It was weird because I thought it was mostly going to be about farmers and their struggles to California.

And although it was, it was much more than that since it tied in with the struggles of the Joad family. It showed humanity and the rareness of compassion being given to those suffering.

We see the Joads being the ones to offer that missing, long forgotten compassion that slowly disappeared due to the cruelty of the great depression and greediness for a better life. The fight for survival was strong however the need for compassion was not lost for the Joads took it in their hearts to offer it to the ones in need.

We see how the family loses loved ones along the way from grandpa, to grandma, Connie, Noah, the priest, Tom, and Rosasharn’s baby, they do not end with bitterness. They continue to go about giving off the compassion that is needed desperately in this dried up period of empty hearts.

Rosasharn did not end with bitterness and hatred for her lost baby. She continued to live and use her life to bestow a fresh breath of air unto another human. She may have lost a life but was able to save another, one who’s value may mean something more especially it being a father to a scared son.

Grapes of Wrath was not just about the factual and historical background of the depression along with the farmers obstacles but rather the importance of compassion and helping those even when you are struggling to help yourself but most importantly the hope to have for a better tomorrow.

-A