Grapes of Wrath 8

It is pretty easy to tell when The Grapes of Wrath takes place. It is during the intense drought of the 1930’s of the Great Depression. Even if you are unfamiliar with American history you can infer that the Great Depression was not a time of joy. There was suffering for almost all walks of life. The Grapes of Wrath follows one family through their struggle in this time, but you can see how awful it is for other families too. Steinbeck takes responsibility for the hospitality people can show to others in the same situation. The Joads run into the Wilson’s during their voyage, and the Wilson’s lend them a proper place to let Granpa die. The Joads then fix the Wilson’s car in return, and they head west together. The Joads give a lot of help to the Wilson’s during their travel. They do the driving and most likely pay for gas because the Wilson’s had no money. This all shows that people are willing to help to help others who are in need.
There is also the relationship between the mother and her family. Ma is the one who is in charge of the family. Whatever she says goes even if the others do not agree with her. She actually threatens to hurt the others because they do not agree with her. Ma is also very loving. She clearly cares for all of her children. She protects Rose of Sharon from the crazy woman at the camp who says everything is a sin. She also does her best to get her milk when she needs it. She also buys Ruthie and Winfield some treats even when they have practically no money. She goes out to the field to bring Tom food. She gives him money and has a hard time letting him go. She is exactly what a mother should be. Steinbeck truly shows a good amount of knowledge for these relationships.

Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Penguin, 2006. Print.