The Grapes of Wrath," by John Steinbeck is a book about the Great Depression, and one poor sharecropper family's struggle to survive the worst deprivations that American society had to offer. Set in the 1930's, in America's "Dust Bowl," it is the tale of the Joad family, a large clan of poor Oklahoma sharecroppers, and how they are forced into a decision to migrate to California. It's also the story of the many trials and sufferings that they endure during their long and harrowing journey.
             The novel begins with the description of the conditions in Dust Bowl Oklahoma that ruined the crops and caused foreclosures on farmland. Tom Joad is the first character introduced. He hitches a ride with a truck driver at the diner who presses him for information until he finally reveals that he was just released from prison, where he served four years for murdering a man during a fight. Steinbeck follows this with an interlude describing a turtle crossing the road, which he uses as a metaphor for the struggles of the working class. On his travels home, Tom meets his former preacher, Jim Casy, a man full of doubts over religious teachings and the presence of sin. When Tom and Casy reach the Joad's house, it has been deserted. Muley Graves, a local man tells them that the Joads have been evicted, and now stay with Uncle John. Muley's own family has left to find work in California, but Muley decided to stay. Steinbeck follows this with a description of the tactics that car !
             dealers use to exploit impoverished customers.
             Tom Joad finds the rest of his family staying with Uncle John. His mother is presented as a strong, sturdy woman who is the moral center of family life. All of the other family members are presented at this time. His brothers and sisters include Noah, Rose of Sharon, Al, Ruthie and Winfeild. Connie is married to Rose of Sharon and Granma and Granpa are portrayed as some what slow and out of it. This is followe...