The Grapes of Wrath

Grapes of Wrath

There ain't no sin and there ain't no virtue. There's just stuff people do," Jim Casy tells Tom in Chapter Four of The Grapes of Wrath. This quote from Steinbeck's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel illustrates the author's ability to celebrate humanity and embrace human faults with compassion. A former preacher who learns through experience that judging human beings according to strict moral doctrine is no way to cultivate compassion, Casy poignantly embodies Steinbeck's vision of "Man's proven capacity for greatness of heart and spirit." Through Casy's character as well as through protagonist Tom Joad, Steinbeck exposes human faults while simultaneously celebrating the loftiest ideals of the human heart and spirit.

Jim Casy struggled with the conflict between natural sexual desires and the priestly calling until he realized that "It's all part of the same thing." This theme of balance runs through The Grapes of Wrath. Tom Joad is no innocent man; he has killed another human being and has witnessed and experienced the darker side of humanity. However, Tom triumphs by inspiring hope among the migrant workers and laborers and proves to be an invaluable source of inspiration for his family.

Ma Joad emerges as a central character in promoting Steinbeck's optimistic view of the human spirit. In spite of the immense hardship that besieges her family, Ma Joad acts with strength. For example, in Chapter 20, Ma Joad selflessly shares scarce food resources with other migrant workers' children. Throughout the novel, the Joads demonstrate such displays of incredible strength.

Protagonist Tom Joad sat in jail for several years and when he first returns home is shocked by the changes to his family and community. Although he initially shows little leadership ability, he emerges as the novel's hero. In the final chapter of the novel, Tom proves to be a spiritual and practical inspiration to all around him: "Wherever they's a fight so hungry people can eat, I'll be there."