I find it fascinating how Steinbeck uses the concept of endurance in his novel The Grapes of Wrath. I'm particularly fascinated by how the Joads continue to maintain their strength in the face of adversity. In the face of various conspiracies mounted against them by their enemies, the family members do everything in their power to defend their reputation and honor (Baym et al., 2232). By portraying how the Joads strive to maintain their honor despite difficult situations, Steinbeck arguably manages to show the audience the importance of resilience as a spiritual survival tactic that may guarantee an ultimate success after a long struggle.
Also, I find it interesting how Steinbeck uses of motifs and symbols to inform the structure and content of his piece. For instance, he brings out the aspect of improvised leadership by outlining how the Joad family is dependent on traditional family structure. The author begins by pointing out that the family subscribes to a patriarchal family system which gives the men power to make decision which women are obliged to follow. However, this changes when Ma takes over the leadership of the family after Pa has failed in his roles. Notably, Ma’s move marks the beginning of a revolution of the leadership structure which is evident at the end of the novel whereby the traditional leadership roles of both men and women are reversed. This may be likened to the change in the social economic power relations between men and women in the outside world. Also, Steinbeck’s usage of Sharon’s pregnancy as symbol of a new begin for the family which turns out to be marred with further difficulties as portrayed by a stillbirth is quite interesting.
Work Cited
Baym, Nina, et al. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. 6th ed. NY: W.W. & Co., 2003.
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