Symbolism In The Grapes Of Wrath

The main theme of “The Grapes of Wrath” is that agricultural capitalism leads to the dehumanization of mankind when the power of society lies only within the hands of few. This dehumanization causes the poor to live inhumanely to survive, and the wealthy to waste resources to gain even more success. As the novel progresses, it is illustrated that the poor families that stick together are the ones that stay afloat the longest. This is exemplified through the key symbol of the “grapes of wrath” expressed in Chapter 25.
Chapter 19 clearly provides substantial evidence that supports the above theme. We begin with the landowners’ complete disconnection to the land: “They had no more the stomach-tearing lust for a rich acre and a shining blade to plow it, for a seed and a windmill beating its wings in the air” (Steinbeck 315). After making a good
This symbol has 2 key elements which help to better represent the fact that agricultural capitalism dehumanizes man when few have most of the power. These key elements are the readiness to revolt and the knowledge of oppression, and they serve to illustrate that capitalism has changed both the landowners and the Okies. Steinbeck states, “In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage” (477). This passage explains the ripening anger that is growing within the Okies, and shows the impact of the rough California conditions upon them. The squatters are just waiting for the end of the season to arrive. They are sick of watching the oranges getting sprayed with the kerosene, sick of watching the potatoes getting dumped in the river. They have had enough. They can’t just get up and move on like have been doing all their lives. The grapes of wrath have driven them to the point where they have to organize and revolt. Capitalism has finally gotten to