FREE ESSAY ON GRAPES OF WRATH

GRAPES OF WRATH

In the story, The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinback, there are many examples of
togetherness and guidance. There is a small amount of individualism in the story, but
there is more acts of kindness and warmth, than any displays of independence. The Joad
family acts as a whole unit instead of many individuals. They help and assist others in
need, even though they are in need as well. They would rather suffer themselves than for
someone else to undergo suffering and endless pain. They would give up anything they have
for someone to be happy and at peace. The Joad family is very loving, helpful, and does
not show any signs of selfishness or greed. 
While the Joad family is on their journey to the west, they do not have much food or
money, but they still did anything to help others out. For example, one day they saw
another family on the side of the road and stopped to help them. They ended up taking the
family and making an even larger family unit by combining the families. Each member
associated and talked to one other, which made the time they were all together pleasant
and helpful. They all used each other's knowledge to help them along with their journey.
Even though both families had never met during their life, they came together and helped
each other out in times of need.
Another genuine characteristic of the Joad family, is their sense of putting themselves
in danger before others. A family member would rather be hurt or in danger themselves,
than for their loved ones to be in trouble. An example of this trait is when Ma rebels
once Tom and Casy said they'd stay and let the family go on. She said that if she went,
then they would have to beat her to go, because she was not going to let the family split
apart. This shows her great concern for the family to stay together and how she will
inflict pain upon herself in order for happiness.
Throughout the journey, they find out they do not have enough money or food and times are
really tough for them. However, they are still very giving people and has a desire to
help the strangers that accompanied them along the trip. Once the Wilson's depart from
the Joad family to go their own way along the trail, they offer to give them some money
and food. However, the Wilson's said they could not accept it, even though they were in
desperate need. They knew the Joad's did not have much money as well and did not want to
take it from their family. Even after this, Ma and Pa Joad laid out two dollars and some
pork for the Wilson's. This shows that the Joad's are willing to give up what they have
for someone else. Even if it means they have to starve, it does not bother them and they
will go out of their way to assist others in need. In this story, the Joad family was
very polite and helpful to others. Even though they did not have much money or food, they
definitely had a sense of helpfulness and genuine caring for others. They helped the
Wilson family, who was in need of guidance, by traveling along with them and giving them
food and money. The Joad's also put others before themselves and tried the best they
could to assist their friends who were once strangers. All of these examples of aide are
strong evidence that this book is not about individualism, but the simple act of being
there for others.