Grapes Of Wrath Chapter 1-11 Analysis

Chapters 1-11: The Land (Time in Oklahoma)
The opening scene’s setting gives a premise to the overall gloomy and dusty lifestyles of the Okies. The whole time period is already gloomy from the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, but the description of the bland Oklahoma landscape is sad. Steinbeck even wrote about dust like it was an ominous homewrecker. Dust and the wind and the elements in general are given all of the power in this chapter and in future chapters. Such dominant influence of nature suggests the family structure of the Joads and other Okies to be unstable. The environment governs the family, making them move, causing them to seek jobs due to poor land and subsequent lack of work.
The land turtle in chapter three symbolizes the slow, rather unproductive natures of

the Okies and of the Joad family. A defeatist attitude is paralleled in the turtle’s journey across the road and in the migration of the Joads to California. The turtle simultaneously symbolizes tenacity, as it did not give up even after nearly being run over twice. As with the Joads, they faced economic turmoil but were driven to make a life for themselves out in California. Animals and their struggle during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl mimic those of the humans during the same times.
Casy believed that the use of “bad words” was comparable with sinning. He told Tom about being a disgraced preacher and that “I don’t know where I’m goin’”(21). He said he “got a lot of sinful idears”, but that he is no longer a preacher. The irony behind Casy’s preaching was that he would frequently preach about sinning then go off with a random girl in a field. Then he would return to pray and repent and preach some more.
The tractors, “insects”, were designed to plow the land efficiently; more efficiently than the men. The bank controlled the men with such force they called it “the monster”. The farmers, in arguing about the bank said, “Men made it, but they can’t control it” (33). What makes this whole situation even more unfortunate is that the small farmers were helpless against the banks and the tractors. In fact, the banks and tractors main goals were to steal the jobs of the small farmers. This, in turn, forced many farmers to seek out work westward in California.
In this story, Muley is a constant. He refused to leave his farm and his land, despite being “hunted” by the police. The main difference between being the hunter and being hunted is the fear that comes along with being hunted. The uncertainty of being captured and persecuted makes being hunted worse for many. However, for Muley, he was content with being wanted by the authorities and would stand his ground to protect what he believed he had the right to.
The odd, shorter chapters give the reader a glimpse into life as an Okie during this time period.

Unlike some of the chapters focusing on the story and characters, these chapters are vague enough to truly illustrate the whole setting. Some of these chapters focus on the landscape or the general themes haunting this era and novel. In chapter seven, the description about the car salesmen implies the idea of bargaining and making a deal about a sought after thing. The salesmen talked about all the deals of the cars and their being good and bargains, which indicates to the simplicity taken in purchasing a car. This shows the simplicity of this time period, as people really just wanted a mode of transport not a flashy automobile.
The faces of the Joad family revealed the years they have endured and what they have persevered through. Ma and Pa are weathered, as are the grandparents, from the sun and dust and wind over time. Not just on the outside, Ma showed her strength and worth as the leader of the family. Pa took a lesser role than Ma and typically was lost and dazed without her guidance. Additionally, the grandparents instilled in the younger family members the importance of hierarchy and

respect.
Some members of the Joad family like Granpa were ecstatic to make the voyage to California, but Ma expressed worries about what life in California will be like. But the problem was that the family really didn’t have a choice, as their land had failed and their main source of income had vanished. Tom’s philosophy for the future included being appreciative of being out of prison. He remained optimistic of the future and of their family travels to California. When Ma burnt the old stationary box, this illustrated the hardship and necessity of leaving certain things behind. She had to choose what small items she would cherish and give up the rest, symbolizing giving up this part of her life so far.