The Grapes of Wrath #5

This novel reflects the history of the time period and setting in many different ways. This is the time period in which many families or tenant farmers were kicked off of their land and forced to move west. California was where most families went to go find work. This is what happened to the Joad family. This novel is about their journey to California and their stories after they arrive. Even though this novel is fiction and has made up characters, the events that happened are true and really did happen to families much like the Joads, which makes this book historical fiction.

Because this book is historical fiction, Steinbeck made the characters behavior much like real people in that time would behave. The behavior in that time was probably not that much different from todays. I mean we would probably react the same if kicked off of our land, but it was maybe a little different. At the camp for example, people would fight over food, money, and land. Also, the book describes Ma as feeling in-humane. (Steinbeck 304 ) It was probably a little more crazy of a time for people back then because everything was usually gender based. The men would do the hard labor and alot of outside work, while the women would cook, clean, and take care of the children. But when families were moving west and finding jobs, there were many tasks that needed to be done. So sometimes the women did it, and sometimes the men did it. It was no longer based on gender. There is one part in the book when Casey helps Ma salt meat before the trip. At first, Ma wouldn't let him help because it was considered women's work. Casey said that he would do any work as long as it was work that had to be done. (Steinbeck 107)

The thematic significance of the book is the struggles of the migrant workers and their families. This is very important to know because it shows how things worked during the Dust Bowl.

Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Penguin, 2002. Print.