Conformity In The Grapes Of Wrath Essay

Biblical Allusions and Non-Conformity in The Grapes of Wrath

With the decline in participation among organized conformist groups such as religious sects in the modern day, the enlightened and spiritual sense of self- reliance seems to become increasingly relevant. Self- reliance is the concept that man should trust his intuition and place a high value on his thoughts and revelations instead of doubting his intellect. This ideology stems from the movement of Transcendentalism, which honors man’s pure individuality. As one of the main contributors to Transcendentalist thought, Ralph Waldo Emerson condemns acts of conformity and forces such as society that hinder people’s confidence in their self-worth. Influenced by the spiritual and metaphysical

aspects of Transcendentalism, John Steinbeck incorporates traits of self-reliance and the ideology of non-conformity in his novel, The Grapes of Wrath, through the revelations and behavior of the main characters. As a result of the misfortune brought to them by the effects of the Great Depression, Steinbeck’s main characters migrate to California in hopes of job opportunities, and along the way face many challenges. They later find shelter among other migrants in small communities and learn the true extent and power of noncompliance and perseverance. Steinbeck uses biblical references and his character's separation from conformist influences to show that when man is distant from society, he becomes in tune with his intuition, the magnitude of his perseverance, and the knowledge that selfless acts, as well as human souls, are intertwined and encompassed within a divine spirit.
The Grapes of Wrath consists of many spiritual and biblical references and Steinbeck uses these allusions to exemplify aspects of the Transcendentalist thought. Steinbeck engages Ralph Waldo Emerson’s point that society often corrupts freedom of expression and individual thinking through the evolving thoughts of Casy, an ex-preacher. Breaking away from a conservative church that endeavored to impress upon people the strict views of the congregation, Casy emerges as a firm believer in the Transcendentalist principle of independent thought and nonconformity. Tying in with Casy’s religious background, his revelations on man’s connection with God are core ideas of modern day “universal” religious theories. These theories share much in common with teachings and principles of Transcendentalism, for they have risen from groups of individuals who have, like Casy, left religious sects that condemn free thinking and now follow their intuition. Tom Joad, one of the main characters in the book, first encounters Casy in the midst of a hot, sandy terrain, where Casy shares with Tom his newfound knowledge that “maybe it’s all men an’ all women we love; maybe that’s the Holy sperit-the human sperit-the whole shebang. Maybe all men got a big soul ever’body’s a part of’”(26). Not only is Casy’s commentary a significant reference to Transcendentalism, but the setting where he meditates on his religious and universal philosophies is worth noting as well. Surrounded by nature and under “a scrawny, dusty willow [that casts] a speckled shade”, the pure atmosphere provokes the thought of Casy and Tom Joad and expels all worries generated by society and conformist influences. Casy’s revelations influenced by Transcendentalism are meditated upon in nature, and like Jesus Christ who “withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed”, Casy also retreats “into the wilderness like Him…”(King James Bible Luke 5:16) to compose his thoughts and return to the purest form that the world has to offer (81). Trusting his newfound revelations and inner truths, Casy leads a group of men that attempt to challenge the authorities on the matter of the low paying jobs in California. Similar to Jesus Christ, Casy’s followers are a symbol of nonconformity and strength in the face of conformist forces. Though, Casy is killed by authorities who try to dispel the rebellion, and his final words, “You don’ know what you’re a-doin”( Luke 23:34), echoes Jesus’ words, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do..”(386). Steinbeck’s use of biblical allusions through Casy, a spiritual figure in The Grapes of Wrath, is a unique addition that enriches the Transcendental thought that conformist groups inhibit people’s independent thoughts and right to free expression.
Looking into the biblical allusions that represent Transcendentalist ideologies in The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck’s several other biblical references come to the surface. After the seizing of their homeland, the Joads’ migration to California is a direct correlation to the journey of the Israelites in the Old Testament. Likewise, the Israelite people and the Joads face many trials during their long journey where their endurance and willpower are often tried, and they find by unification, they are all able to persevere. The Joads rest for a few nights at a time in small camps inhabited by communities of other migrants. During evenings, the group of men “[weld] to one thing, one unit” and they demonstrate that during the most difficult of times perseverance can be achieved when sharing the burden with a community. In The Grapes of Wrath, these small communities symbolize a defiance to society that hope to see the migrants fail in California. The Joad’s and the other migrant families' will power along the trip are kindled by the help that each receives from their fellow man. This Transcendentalist teaching that it is morally right to help others out in tough situations is incorporated heavily in The Grapes of Wrath and reinforces the importance of non-conformity.
While residing in the campgrounds, the women in The Grapes of Wrath show tremendous compassion and strength towards their family and others who endure similar hardships.

The mother of the Joad family serves as a stable figure from which people draw strength and comfort. Her pregnant daughter, Rose of Sharon, experiences the desertion of her spouse and the cruel taunts of a highly religious and superstitious woman and Ma reassuringly comes to her aid. Along with Rose of Sharon, Ma helps many people despite the limited resources her family possesses. When cooking a meat stew that is limited in servings, Ma still manages to provide some sparring for a few children who “stood stiffly and looked at her...Their eyes [following] the spoon from pot to plate..(269). In like manner, Sairy Wilson, a sick, elderly woman graciously helps the Joad family during the passing of a family member. Sairy despite her illness selflessly aids the Joads and hides her pain as not to cause any burden, “She stared into the sky and braced her body firmly against the pain”(156). In contrast to Ma and Sairy’s frequent displays of kindness, Rose of Sharon for the majority of the book is absorbed in her pregnancy and the best care for her and her unborn baby. It is not until later on when Rose of Sharon delivers a stillborn, that she embraces this selflessness and compassion that is expressed by Ma and Sairy, when she offers her breast milk to an elderly man. Rose of Sharon afterward “smiles mysteriously” implicating that Rose of Sharon has finally grasped the realization of the oversoul; the theory that there is a spiritual unity among all beings(479). Steinbeck reinforces his biblical allusions with this famous ending scene with Rose of Sharon and the sickly man by displaying a resurrection of health in the old man and the hope of the future. These acts of selflessness shown by the women in The Grapes of Wrath are reflective of the aspect of Transcendentalism that celebrates the good in

humanity and the selflessness that the knowledge of the oversoul encourages.
Taking place during the Great Depression, the Joad family meets many challenges that Steinbeck uses to incorporate aspects of Transcendentalism. The numerous biblical references enrich the plot’s depth as a literary piece and serves as a transition to the spiritual and metaphysical teachings of Transcendentalism. Influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose essays contain a spiritual presence, Steinbeck models some of his characters off of biblical personals, to have their experiences reflect Transcendentalist teachings. The belief that nonconformity enables individuals to reach their full potential in thought, inner strength, and morality is emphasized by the Joad’s and the migrant’s experiences throughout The Grapes of Wrath.