these migrants were not driven to movement and seasonal work by poverty and terrible need.
Through a social approach, Steinbeck characterizes the experiences of the migrant farm workers in “Harvest Gypsies” and in the chapter of “Travels with Charley”. In “Harvest Gypsies”, because of the circumstances they face, their experience is merely a negative one. Whereas in “Travels with Charley”, the Canucks don’t go through the same troubles as the Harvest Gypsies do. Steinbeck’s perception of these migrant workers is that they are merely tools of a capitalist society, this is especially demonstrated in “Harvest Gypsies”. Both, new and old, migrant farmworkers in “Harvest Gypsies” face exploitation. In the text it states that these migrant workers…show more content… Steinbeck’s characterization of the experience of these individuals is positive contrary to his characterization of the experiences of the Harvest Gypsies. Steinbeck continues in saying that these individuals were not poverty-stricken and merely crossed the border to continue farming. “Years ago the farmers tried to draw more labor than they needed so that they could lower wages. This seems to be no longer true……government agencies channel only as many labors as needed…some kind of minimum wage is maintained” This quote explains how the Canucks and individuals who carry out the same work were protected from capitalist means to exploit them. Steinbeck’s perspective on migrant farmworkers is very clear. He sees their efforts to survive through dire conditions. Steinbeck says in “Harvest Gypsies”, “…..destitute and hungry and homeless, ready to accept any pay so that they may eat and feed their children.” Moreover, Steinbeck admires the work of these migrant workers. In a biography it states, “He liked these jobs because it brought him to contact with men of courage, strength, and honesty. His sociological approach to these issues tells us of his thorough interest concerning these type of
