Biblical Allusions In The Grapes Of Wrath

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John Steinbeck is an American author that was born on February 27th 1902, in Salinas California. He has written many critically acclaimed works such as Of Mice and Men, The Red Pony, and The Pearl. However his most prestigious work is The Grapes of Wrath and it is considered to be one of the best American works of literature. Published in 1939, The Grapes of Wrath tackles the social and economic challenges bestowed on the Joad family, migrant farmers looking for work during the 1930’s. During what would seem to be a pessimistic time for any family, Steinbeck delivers a message of hope and positivity. John Steinbeck presents an optimistic by providing the reader with the ideal of family, the use of encouraging biblical allusions, and finally …show more content…
The Grapes of Wrath is loaded with biblical allusions, which all demonstrate reasons to ensure the prosperous future of the migrants. The difficult journey that the migrants face is very similar to the journey the Jews took out of Egypt. Just like the Hebrews, the Joads are on an adventure to find the “land of milk in honey”, and like the Bible passage they face challenges. Tom falls back on his faith for support when he witnesses Jim Casy’s murder, as he told his mom “Maybe all men got one big soul ever'body's a part of” (590). This adds to the belief that humans are connected, and therefore their future depends on each other. Another biblical allusion is the name of Tom’s sister, Rose of Sharon. The name refers back to hymn “I am the Rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley” (Song of Solomon 2:1). Rose of Sharon’s name is significant because it means that she is constant, strong and hopeful. Steinbeck’s use of biblical allusions provide evidence to support an optimistic future for the migrant families traveling to …show more content…
While Steinbeck appears to provide a reason to believe that the future for the migrants will be a negative one, in actuality he is building their character. The terrible events faced by the Joads are overcome because of their family’s strength, their strong faith, and because of the help of others. As stated in the Greenhaven Press Literary Companion to American Steinbeck, published by David Bender, “ The ending of The Grapes Of Wrath illustrates that Steinbeck finds his answer rather than in revolution” (46). John Steinbeck's purpose of The Grapes of Wrath is not to demonstrate the negative side of humanity nor to answer the question “What is man?’, his purpose was to demonstrate human perseverance and bring attention to the struggles of the migrant farmers. By using the continuance of family, strong biblical allusions, and finally the famous smile in the closing sentence; John Steinbeck provides evidence that the future of the migrants will a hopeful and bright
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