The Grapes of Wrath thibodauxapenglish愤怒的葡萄thibodauxapenglish.wikispaces.pptVIP

CHANGE IN THE “FAMBLY” One of the biggest changes is in the “fambly.” They have to leave their farm and Oklahoma. They have added Casey and Wilsons to the “extended family.” Grampa dies. Their pet dog is hit by a CAR. CHANGES IN ATTITUDES (JOADS) Ma seems to be opening her concept of family by allowing Casy and the Wilsons in. Tom seems to be reflecting on Casy’s message of universal compassion for fellow human beings. THEME – FROM “I” TO “WE” Our only way to survive as a human race is to shift from total independence to inter-dependence. John Steinbeck RELIGION Traditional, orthodox religion is seen in a negative light since it encourages individuals to remain isolated and self-centered. Uncle John is preoccupied with guilt over his role in the death of his wife; a migrant woman sees everything in terms of sin and punishment. Casey abandons orthodox religion in hopes of finding a deeper awareness of life and the universe. The understanding that he finally achieves is not “anti-religion,” but rather a way of translating religion into responsible, humane action. Christian Symbolism The Joads – oppressed, homeless group (Israelites) in search of the Promised Land Jim Casy – withdrawn from the church as Christ withdrew from the old religion Casy went into the wilderness like Jesus to figure out something and form a new set of beliefs based on love and unity among humans Casy has the same initials as Christ, feels the same zest for teaching, gives himself as a sacrifice when Tom is about to be arrested, and is killed in the middle of a river as in the biblical crossing over Jordan. Christ’s last words before dying were: “Father forgive them; they know not what they do.” Casy’s last words were: “You fellas don’t know what you’re doin.” Biblical Imagery The novel’s three sections (drought, journey, and California) correspond to the Israelites’ oppression in Egypt, the exodus, and the sojourn in the land of Canaan. Instead of peace and prosperity, the Joads are