Maturation through suffering in Steinbeck's novel the grapes of wrath

Author

Daf Allah, Muawiyah Muhammad

Source

Journal of Linguistic and Literary Studies

Issue

Vol. 20, Issue 2 (30 Jun. 2019), pp.220-231, 12 p.

Publisher

Sudan University of Science and Technology Deanship of Scientific Research

Publication Date

2019-06-30

Country of Publication

Sudan

No. of Pages

12

Main Subjects

Literature

Abstract EN

The current study explores the development of the central characters in John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath (1939) by approaching it thematically and analytically.

These characters move west to California as a result of the Great Depression which was followed by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s affecting the Great Plains and the states of Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas and creating plight and horror.

In The Grapes of Wrath, the fictional characters move west seeking labor, security, and personal dignity.

Some of them die, others starve and become without values.

Fortunately, the Joads develop a sense of unity with their fellow emigrants who share the same experience of displacement and exploitation by capitalists.

Four main results are the outcome of this study.

Firstly, Steinbeck's success in documenting a modern tragedy by employing social realism is evident in this novel.

Secondly, the central characters grow and develop social awareness through suffering.

Thirdly, Symbols and imagery in the novel create a lasting-effect in the reader's mind.

Finally, man can learn from negative experiences positive values.

American Psychological Association (APA)

Daf Allah, Muawiyah Muhammad. 2019. Maturation through suffering in Steinbeck's novel the grapes of wrath. Journal of Linguistic and Literary Studies،Vol. 20, no. 2, pp.220-231.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1337679

Modern Language Association (MLA)

Daf Allah, Muawiyah Muhammad. Maturation through suffering in Steinbeck's novel the grapes of wrath. Journal of Linguistic and Literary Studies Vol. 20, no. 2 (Jun. 2019), pp.220-231.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1337679

American Medical Association (AMA)

Daf Allah, Muawiyah Muhammad. Maturation through suffering in Steinbeck's novel the grapes of wrath. Journal of Linguistic and Literary Studies. 2019. Vol. 20, no. 2, pp.220-231.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1337679

Data Type

Journal Articles

Language

English

Notes

Includes bibliographical references : p. 230-231

Record ID

BIM-1337679