Arnstein answers “The author casually mentions, somewhere in...”

Matthijs Smits asked this question about The Grapes of Wrath:

The author casually mentions, somewhere in the beginning of the book, how one of the characters' grandpa had to drive away and kill indians to take up the land on which the joads eventually had their farm. This is said almost 'in passing' as if it has no relevance and it is said by one of the characters angrily as an argument that it is in fact THEIR property. Do you feel that John Steinbeck neglects this issue?

Arnstein I would start by looking at what kind of novel this is, and The Grapes of Wrath is a book about real consequences. When the families from small farms …moreI would start by looking at what kind of novel this is, and The Grapes of Wrath is a book about real consequences. When the families from small farms are forced to move en masse like this then they create real consequences elsewhere. When the tribes of Native Americans were treated the same way then they had to move and this had consequences of a similar nature. The migration of the 'Okies' and of the Native Americans are similar and I believe that Steinbeck wanted to compare them. For instance, there are famous battles where the Native Americans fought back - perhaps he was trying to tell the readers that if nothing changes then the oppressors will receive the wrath of the oppressed, just like before?

Also, I'm pretty sure Grandpa was made into such a horrible person as he was because he needed to be a bit of a villain, both because the family still chose to care for him (caring for others is a very important theme in this book), and because his deeds shouldn't be defended.(less)

flag

More questions about The Grapes of Wrath…

The Grapes of Wrath

by John Steinbeck

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more