Analysis Of Biblical And Christian Symbols And Allusions In The Grapes Of Wrath.

Analysis Of Biblical And Christian Symbols And Allusions In The Grapes Of Wrath.

The writing and compilation of the Bible has had a greater effect on modern literature than anything except, possibly, the creation of written alphabets and the printing press.   The Bible’s great influence is obvious in many books of the last century.   One such book is John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath.
The attitude of the characters in The Grapes of Wrath toward the traditional Christian set of ideals varies greatly from character to character.   The Joads, for the most part, don’t express their religion strongly.   In the beginning, Granma demands that Jim Casy, a former preacher, bless the meal.   Her interjections of “amen” and “hallelujah” into Casy’s rambling attempt at a grace show that she doesn’t even really hear or comprehend what he is saying, but still demands a blessing out of custom, not devotion.   Later, when Grampa dies, the Joads feel that it is customary to leave a few words from the Bible buried with Grampa’s body; Tom picks a quote that sounds “just blowed full of religion” (p. 183), although he doesn’t really understand its meaning; again, he shows an almost blind devotion to his faith in doing something religious simply out of custom.   These situations show a passive devotion to a faith that is more of a custom than a religion to them.
Other people through the story show the opposite view on religion.   These people are often generalized as Jehovites.   They are viewed by the Joads as good people, but still outsiders.   At several points, they try to force their faith on the Joads.   One such attempt occurs when Granma is ill.   A Jehovite claims that Granma is going to die, and declares that a meeting must be held in her tent to pray for Granma.   Ma refuses to disturb Granma.   She tells the Jehovites that Granma would be all right with a little rest.   After a small argument, the Jehovite leaves with a promise to pray for Granma anyway and to “... forgive ya [Ma] for your hard heart.” (p. 272).   Another religious fanatic later approaches the...