Grapes of Wrath, by Joseph Steinbeck has stood the test of time as one of the ultimate testimonies of the American Dream. As the reader switches back and forth between the general public during the 1930s and a simple family from Oklahoma, they get a sense of the unfailing hope that families possessed for a better life in a foreign land. Although many families like the Joads were plagued by disaster after disaster, they still believed that things would get better for them in time. As they traveled across the country to California and dealt with death, discomfort and money problems, they assured themselves that things would turn up in time. As one character points out people are “‘Movin’ ‘cause they got to. That’s why folks always move. Movin’ ‘cause they want somepin better ‘n what they got. An’ that’s the on’y way they’ll ever git it. Wantin’ it an’ needin’ it, they’ll go out an’ git it’” (Steinbeck, 128). This stubborn attitude has become the American way; when you want something, you go out and get it. This is one of the reasons that Grapes of Wrath is a significant piece of American literature. Although American’s no longer go through what the Joads did, in small ways every day we make changes and sacrifices for a dream that may truly be impossible to reach, but we try anyway. Many Americans can relate to the Joads’ struggle.

Furthermore, this makes Grapes of Wrath an important cultural text. Steinbeck shows the desperateness of humans when we are at our best and at our worst. People lean on each other “and because they were lonely and perplexed, because they had all come from a place of sadness and worry and defeat, and because they were all going to a new mysterious place, they huddled together, they talked together; they shared their lives, their food, and the things they hoped for in the new country” (193). In times of need Americans are there for each other, disregarding the harm they may be causing themselves by sharing food or shelter, only wanting to lighten another’s burden. At times like these in the book, I am proud to call myself an American. The unity that Steinbeck talks about is heartwarming.

However, there are parts in the book where people are left to fend for themselves and turn their back on others. When a man is about to plow through another’s house with a tractor, he says “‘can’t think of [them]. Got to think of my own kids’” (17). This probably does help the man and his family survive, but at the cost of others. At these times the reader wonders about the cruelty of human nature, and what they would do in similar situations. One hopes that they would turn to others and try to stick together, but Steinbeck shows that that isn’t always possible.

Steinbeck takes the reader into a whole new world. The language he uses creates the authenticity of the southern, uneducated characters that he creates. Despite the broken English that is sometimes hard to decipher, Steinbeck leaves his mark as an eloquent writer by creating vivid landscapes and colorful characters. When he describes scenery or people, he always uses a lot of detail. When describing Tom for the first time, he says “his eyes were very dark brown and there was a hint of brown pigment in his eyeballs. His cheek bones were high and wide, and strong deep lines cut down his cheeks, in curves beside his mouth. His upper lip was long, and since his teeth protruded, the lips stretched to cover them, for this man kept his lips closed. His hands were hard, with broad fingers and nails as thick and ridged as little clam shells…” (6). The whole book has this detail, and that creates a rich and lasting story. ( )

8/10.A poor farming family get forced off their land by poor harvests and money-chasing landowners following the Great Depression. They follow plenty before them into the horizon looking for the fruitful land of California. But work is scarce, prejudice and oppression reigns and people are just as greedy and the Joads learn to keep their dignity and stand up for the common man against the powerful. A moving and thought provoking book - despite the slow start - on both a social and an individual level that could be just as apt today as it was when it was written. ( )

By far one of the best books I have ever read, in the top five easily. ( )

The Grapes of Wrath is an uncomfortable read because treats plainly a multitude of problems and tragedies that are basic to the human condition. Steinbeck does not skirt around the issues; instead, he deals directly with the reader. The Grapes of Wrath is not one that I particularly liked, but I do appreciate it. ( )

When you think times are tough (2009), and your bosses are taking advantage of you, reread this book. You'll still be depressed, but at least you won't feel alone. ( )