People without work are useless and miserable. They cannot make money; thus, they cannot buy food. They cannot buy food; thus, they are hungry and weak and have no strength to do the simplest job. It's a vicious circle that the previously happy and prosperous Joad family got themselves into because of the Great Depression and the malicious government actions. The economic crises tore numerous families apart and made people do things they otherwise would have never done. It made people go mad and create a whole different way of living - always on the road, no permanent house, no safety, no positive expectations. But how can you not become someone like this if there are only 4 potatoes left and 8 mouths to feed.
"The Grapes of Wrath" is a novel about the crushed dreams and destroyed lives of all those people affected by the Great Depression who drove to California having lost their houses due to debts and believing that life on the West Coast should be easy and pleasant. Hey, there were tons of workers needed in numerous farms after all. But little did they know that for every workplace there were 5 hungry people reaching after it, and those who already lived in California did not want any Okies taking jobs from them and make a mess.
Yet again, Steinbeck proves what a great writer he is and how well he understands other human beings, and the South American English give the story a special touch and authenticity. Strong, diverse characters, a wide range of emotions, unexpected turns of events and the ending that makes you wonder what will happen next and why it ended like this - "The Grapes of Wrath" comprises the best features of a historical fiction and it is a must-read for everyone who thinks he/ she lives a crappy life. Better think again. Joad family lost their house, but they did not lose their spirit, and never did they stop fighting for a new beginning.
