The Dream In John Steinbeck's The Story Of Joseph

In The Story of Joseph, we learn that Joseph has the ability to interpret dreams and for this reason, Pharaoh gives Joseph authority which elevates him above nearly everyone in Egypt. Joseph proves the accuracy of his interpretations on more than one occasion. First, Joseph interprets is own dream which indicates that one day Joseph’s brothers will bow to him. Later in the story, we find out that after Joseph was sold into slavery, he was later reunited with his family and his brothers bowed to him on numerous occasions. Second, Joseph interprets the dream of Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer while he is in prison with Joseph and tells the cupbearer that in three days he will be restored to his place by Pharaoh. In three days the cupbearer was restored to his place just as Joseph has said.
Finally, Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer tells him of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams.
Since Pharaoh had a dream he did not understand, he sent for Joseph to be brought from the pit and said to him, “...I have heard about you that you can understand a dream and solve it.” And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “Not I! God will answer for Pharaoh’s well-being.” (The Norton Anthology World of Literature, pg. 183) After interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, which reveals that Egypt will have seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, Joseph tells Pharaoh the plan he has which will save Egypt. After Pharaoh hears what Joseph’s plan is, Pharaoh knows the spirit of God is with Joseph and Pharaoh approves his plan. Pharaoh then appoints Joseph to the highest position so he may rule the people and the land, and with Pharaoh’s confidence and this position, Joseph is able to prevent Egypt and the surrounding cities from devastation during the seven years of
famine.