Stylistic Approaches to Grapes of Wrath
             While reading John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, a number of different literary styles come up throughout the novel. With the consistency of the styles recurring in the book, the techniques of John Steinbeck become their own theme. His uses of foreshadowing, although sometimes blatant, are masterfully used. Also, one cannot deny the effect of symbolism and the correlation with the running events of the novel. Steinbeck also time after time uses examples of historic events to reiterate his messages.
             The usage of foreshadowing is an important tool used by Steinbeck to help give the audience a direction of where the storyline is heading and also to emphasize the message being sent. Even from the opening chapter the audience understands the tone and atmosphere of the utterly helpless situation the families have been hit with when we hear of the dust blowing and collecting upon the failing crops, and also upon the grief-stricken farmers. The woman, who often find themselves in this book caring about the family more than others notice, "The men sat still - thinking - figuring." The chapter pertaining to the corrupt system of car dealerships does a rather obvious job of hinting at the following troubles with the car and its unreliability. Chapter 12 tells of the already occurring battles with the workers and owners that live in California already and suggest the ultimate fate of the Joad's once they reach their supposed haven. With a direction to lead his readers throughout the novel, Steinbeck can more clearly focus upon his ideas and views.
             The most often and best used technique by Steinbeck in Grapes of Wrath is his use of symbolism. The most striking example would be his tale of the tortoise. The beautifully crafted words give a better sense of artistic style to the otherwise narrative book. Also, the use of the tractors to tear down the old farms in Oklahoma
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