Descriptive Language In The Grapes Of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath is a classic piece of literature published in 1939. Winning the Nobel Prize in 1962, this novel provides solid ideas with an addictive storyline. Within the language of the book, there is connotative meaning that takes analyzation. These segments stand out to me because they provide information such as allusions and foreshadowing.
A notable piece of text would be when Tom Joad and the preacher were walking along a beaten road. The descriptive language adds to the imagery and enhances the audience's understanding of the current scene. “The sky grayed among the stars, and the pale, late quartermoon was insubstantial and thin. Tom Joad and the preacher walked quickly along a road that was only wheel tracks and beaten caterpillar tracks through a cotton field” (Steinback, 67). The author may have used this specific language to show the gloomy dark times within the story. Describing the road was very effective in showing the migration of people and the hard times they were
going through. Introducing the cotton field could possibly show the type of work they were exposed to and why work was so scarce. Overall, the conditions that the Joad family and others were living in weren't the best as shown.
Another significant part within the story is when the reasoning behind the conflict was discovered.
The way the machines were talked about gives them more meaning and adds depth to the explanation. “The tractors which throw men out of work, the belt lines which carry loads, the machines which produce, all were increased; and more and more families scampered on the highways, looking for crumbs from the great holdings, lusting after the land beside the roads” (Steinbeck, 238). This language portrays new technology and machines as evil and disruptive to people's lives. Although it does not directly say, these tractors and belt lines are putting people out of work and making the lower class suffer. When talking about the great holdings, Steinbeck is referring to the higher class economy. They are holding jobs back and leaving the poor to fend for themselves. Overall, this quote is significant and shows a hidden message within the given
language.
Lastly, there is a descriptive passage within Steinbeck's novel that portrays crops dying and everything rotting. This is significant for its description and meaning behind the words. “We can't pay no wages, no matter what wages. And the purple prunes carpet the ground. And first the skins wrinkle a little and swarms of flies come to feast, and the valley is filled with the odor of sweet decay” (Steinbeck, 348). This is obviously talking about the prunes rotting in the farm but can be interpreted differently. It could be analyzed as something so promising going bad. This can relate to the Joad family moving to California for a better life but finding nothing but poverty. Overall, this piece of information is interesting due to its deep connections with the plot and the intriguing descriptions.
In conclusion, The Grapes of Wrath is a complex piece of literature that holds deep meaning and unique language. There are many parts within the book that hold hidden meanings and require deeper analyzation. This adds interest and depth to the story which is beneficial for the audience. Authors use language to portray messages which is why it is so essential.