Poverty and the struggle to make a living is a central theme in ‘The Grapes of Wrath’. Explore the handling of this theme in ‘The Grapes of Wrath'

When approaching this essay question, it is important to relate how the theme of poverty affects the character’s lives in ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ and as a consequence means they are unable to make a sufficient living. As a result, this causes the Joad family (along with other migrant families) to travel to California across Route 66 in an attempt to escape the hardship. As a theme it would be necessary to mention that Steinbeck aligned the fault of poverty, not with the tenant farmers themselves but with what their historical situation determined. Thus proving that the historical context that the text is based upon had a huge impact. Also the biographical details of the author, in this case Steinbeck, are necessary to mention, as he had first hand experience of squatters camps and therefore could relate to this theme, thus adding value to his interpretation of the theme throughout his novel. In terms of structuring an essay of this sort, it would be ideal to include at least 3 points that comment on either different aspects of the theme or different views characters have, such as juxtaposing that of the capitalistic bankers, to the view of Jim Casy. Offering a short embedded quote as evidence would be sufficient, as for certain exam boards the context of the text and the expression of the Dust Bowl in the intercalary chapters held greater significance. Furthermore, in each of the paragraphs it would be useful to explore different critical views towards Steinbeck’s handling of the theme in order to build up your argument. For example contemporary views were far more critical of his handling of the theme, compared to modern views that are grounded in historical context. It would be effective to then conclude by drawing together the different ways Steinbeck handles the theme and to highlight whether in your argument you believe it is a central theme or if the novel is more focused on the idea of togetherness and ‘hope’ being able to eventually prevail at the denouement, through the symbolic image of Rose of Sharon feeding the dying father.