Grapes Of Wrath Turtle Analysis

In the Grapes of Wrath, a novel by John Steinbeck, there are many examples of symbolism. One of the most prominent symbols found in this book is the turtle seen in chapter three. This turtle is symbolic of three things: the Joads and their journey west, Tom Joad himself, and the promise of new life. First, here’s a little background information on the turtle. This land turtle was somewhere to go. Where than is, no one knows, except perhaps John Steinbeck. To get there the turtle decides to take the perilous journey down a dusty dirt road that stretches along the quiet countryside. What could happen? A lot more than one might think. In fact, the turtle faces quite a few challenged ranging from pesky insects, to ledges, to even cars. But, the thing that makes this turtle special is that he never gives up (Pages

When the turtle is walking, somehow a seed falls into its shell and gets carried along on its journey. (Page 15) The seed is representative of the promise of new life. In the Joad family, we have some similar promises. Rose of Sharon’s pregnancy, the potential family that they bring on their journey, and the children, who could have an opportunity to grow up in a life, free from the desolation that they left behind in Oklahoma. The seed promises new growth, and these new lives promise the same.
As seen here, this turtle is much more than an animal. It’s a symbol that represents to many things. It’s a symbol of the Joad family’s journey, Tom Joads mistake, and the promise of new life. Even outside of the Grapes of Wrath, the turtle’s symbolism does not end. Even though the Joads may be a fictional family, there were still actual people who took that journey, and many of them made it. They lived the life portrayed by The Grapes of Wrath, and represented by the turtle, and all faced challenges of their own. Not everyone made it, but they changed history as we know it, and that is something worth living