Biblical Allusions and Imagery in Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath :: Grapes Wrath essays

Biblical Allusions and Imagery in Steinbecks The Grapes of offense          John Steinbeck always makes it a point to know about his subjectsfirst hand.  His stories always have round factual basis behind them.Otherwise, he does not believe that they forget be of any value beyondartistic impression.  Therefore, most of his novels bourgeon place inCalifornia, the site of his birth and young life.  In facility forwriting his novels, Steinbeck would often travel with people about whom hewas exit to write.  The Grapes of Wrath was no exception to his otherworks.  To prep be for it, he join migrants in Oklahoma and rode withthem to California.  When he got to California, he lived with them, joiningthem in their point for work.  By publishing these experiences and trialsof the migrants he achieved an effect that won him the Nobel Prize for literary works in 1962. The writing of The Grapes of Wrath coincided with theGr eat Depression.  This time of hardship and postulate for the rest ofAmerica gave Steinbeck inspiration for his work.  Other peoples stories ofeveryday life became issues for Steinbeck.  His books spoke out against those whokept the oppressed in poverty and therefrom was branded as a Communistbecause of his voice.  Although, it did become a bestseller and findcountless awards, his book was banned in many schools and libraries.However, critics never attacked The Grapes of Wrath on the artistic leveland they still consider it a beautifully mastered work of art.  More thanany other American novel, it successfully embodies a contemporary socialproblem of national scope in an artistically viable expression.1   In TheGrapes of Wrath, Steinbeck utilizes Biblical imagery and allusions toillustrate the fence of the Joad family as a direct parallel with thatof the Hebrew people.         Steinbeck bolsters the strength of organiz e and characterdevelopment in the book through Biblical allusions and imagery.  bastardLisca has noted that the novel reflects the three-part division of the OldTestament exodus pecker which includes captivity, journey, and thepromised land.2  The Joads story is a direct parallel with that of theHebrews.  Just as the Hebrews were captives of the Pharaoh, the Joads arecaptives of their farm.  Both make long and arduous journeys until theyreach their promised land.  Israel is the final end for the Hebrewsand California plays the same role for the Joads.  Hunter mentions severalof the parallels in the novel. When the Joads put down on their journey,there are twelve members which corresponds to the twelve tribes of Israelwho are passing the old order behind.