Grapes of Wrath

Change is inevitable; what is conditional is how humans will accept the changes that occur throughout their lifetime. In the GRAPES OF WRATH, John Steinbeck uses the plight of the Oakies and (specifically of) the Joad family, to portray the poverty and tough changes people were forced to accept during the harsh times of the Dust Bowl. In the novel, the contrasts between individual characters lie in whether they welcome change as a blessing or scorn it as curse. Aside from the individual dealing with change, is the coming together of the whole family, and the different ways they cope with and view change. On a larger level, involving more people, is the large following of Oakies, and their attempt to promote change necessary to improve their everyday lives. No matter if the characters view change positively or negatively though, it does not alter the fact that change is inevitable and necessary to the human condition. Whether it be the individual, the family, or a following of Oakies un...