Grapes of Wrath :: essays papers

Grapes of Wrath It is tell that everything is done for a purpose, and if that purpose is non obvious, it could be evident within oneself. In The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck, the story not only entails the drool of the tragically poor, but also an uplifting sense of discovery. The story tells not only of the physical journey to California, but of the characters spiritual travels as well. By examining the lives of Jim Casy, Tom Joad, and Ma Joad, one will see the enlightening changes that retick their lives through the depression. Jim Casys journey is an astounding one. He begins his life as a preacher, yet decides one day that his train is invalid sinful, in several(prenominal) way. He says to Tom, I used ta posture the people jumpin an talkin in tongues, an glory-shoutin work they just fell down an passed out. . . An then - you know what Id do? Id constrict one of them girls out in the grass, an Id lay with her. Done it ever time. Then Id tone of voice bad, an I d pray an pray, but it didnt do no good. Come the nex time, them an me was full of the sperit, Id do it again. I figgered there just wasnt no hope for me, an I was a damned ol hypocrite. But I didnt mean to be. (Page 28) He decides that he is not noble enough to continue his work, and grows distempered when others ask him to preach the word of God. He spends his time with the Joad family gratefully, but little else. He does no real work to help them out he spends most of his time thinking to himself. Although Casy repeatedly confesses his guilt for doing nothing for the family, he makes no real efforts to contribute, and remains on the sidelines. However, when Tom trips a policeman that was threatening to take everyone to the station, Casy takes the blame. Casy turned to Al. Get out, he said. Go on, get out - to the tent. You dont know nothin. Yeah? How bout you? Casy grinned at him. Somebody got to take the blame. I got no kids. Theyll jus put me in jail, an I aint doin nothin but set aroun. Al said, Aint no reason for - Casy said softly, If you mess in this your whole fambly, all your folks, gonna get in trouble.