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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper examines the role of violence in Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, as a tool of social and historical commentary. Examples and quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
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5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_MBsteinmad.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
have considered John Steinbecks novel, The Grapes of Wrath, to be too graphic, too overtly gratuitous and not historically accurate. However, the astute scholar can take a lesson from
Steinbecks use of the historical elements as well as the violent elements in his works. In the hands of a skilled author, violence and history often become a tool for
change, for character illumination, and they form the vehicle for the themes. Mans inhumanity toward himself, others, and nature has served as grist for the intellectual and literary mills throughout
the ages. The purpose of violence as depicted in novels serves different purposes. Sometimes it is the vehicle by which social inequities and bigoted stances are exposed. Sometimes it serves
as an instrument of instruction by which a person is encouraged to judge and measure oneself by. And, yet, sometimes, it serves as a warning and reminder that mans greatest
capacities for goodness are also tempered with the worlds greatest capacity for evil. In Steinbecks Grapes of Wrath, violence is utilized in such a way
as to act as the catalyst to action. Without violence this plot would not move forward, it has to be said. Violence serves as both a goad to continue to
fight for justice and serves as a vehicle for exposing mans inhumanity toward man(Weeks 2002). Violence erupts on the scene fairly early in this novel. Tom Joad, who is
quickly introduced to the reader as an ex-con, has been released from jail. He makes his way back to the family home only to find it deserted. After making some
inquiries, he and a former preacher named Jim Casey find that Toms family are staying with his Uncle John making ready to leave for California to work as fruit pickers.
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