Grapes of Wrath - themes

American Dream, materialism, capitalism - “Connie says all new stuff… you seen in the catalogue” pg 172 /

Demonstrates the wild impossible hopes of the American dream that offer comfort and joy to all, even if the ideas are unrealistic. Also showcases how the younger generations embrace the capitalist system and are more adaptable to new world orders as Connie is content to embrace a more industrialised world and capitalist system - he (and RofS) are victims of materialism (perhaps why Connie is portrayed so negatively - Steinbeck condemned capitalist materialism.

American Dream, opportunity - “shove on west where it’s easy livin’” pg 48 / “to California where I can pick me an orange whe I want it. Or grapes” pg 87 / “Maybe we can start again, in the new rich land - in California, where the fruit grows.” pg 91

Highlights California as the location of the American dream, a materialisation of all the hopes and dreams of the migrant workers as they believe once they get there they can achieve their wants of comfortable life without hardship. It also demonstrates the agrarian / Jeffersonian ideals embraced by the farmers as their dreams are based in land and farming (not industry, economy and social climbing).

American Dream, realism - “Seems too nice” pg 94 / “Ma suddenly seemed to know it was all a dream” pg 172 /

Highlights the intellect and awareness of the migrant workers - they (especially Ma, Tom and Casey) are realists and aware that their dream is really impossible. Yet they allow the idea to be entertained, for hope, but are aware of the impossibility of it and the likelihood their dreams will be denied in California.

American Dream, Hardship, survival - “It done you good jus’ thinkin’ about it” pg 95

This illustrates the hope provided for the American Dream and the driving force it offers the migrants. It allows them to keep going despite hardships and to be resilient in the face of difficulties and change because they have hope that things will improve. Suggests the necessity of the American Dream in driving change and people - allows for resilience.

American Dream - “han’bills” pg 154 / “Took two kids dead, took my wife dead to show me” pg 199 / “Get to thinkin’ they ain’t no such country” pg 218

Realisation that the American dream is impossible as the migrant workers reach California. The land is exposed as a sham and not the dream that they hoped for - and the hints that the dream is not perfect are found on the journey but are fully realised when they reach California.

Revolution, change, discontent, American Dream -  “when a majority of the people are hungry and cold they will take by force what they need.” pg 249 / “Bitterness… to flower, someday” pg 91

Inevitability of revolution in the face of those experiencing hardship and suffering. They will not be content when they are being robbed, discriminated against, stripped of their identity and hopes of a future as they cannot find work or feed their families (in order for the owners and corporations to prosper).

Hardship, discrimination - “Okie means you’re scum.” pg 215 / “They ain’t human” pg 231

Power - “The more fellas he can get, an’ the hungrier, less he’s gonna pay.” pg 198

Revolution, - The turtle is “flipped” and “rolled it off the highway”/ “spun it like a coin” in the crash with the truck that "swerved to hit it” whereas the “truck went back to its course along the right side” pg 17

Owners, Priviledge, police, past/identity of farmers lost, the young starting again, revolutionaries, socialism, family, women