What was one of Steinbeck primary purposes for writing the grapes wrath?

One of Steinbeck's primary purposes for writing *The Grapes of Wrath* was to give voice to the struggles and plight of the Dust Bowl migrants, particularly the Oklahoma farmers forced to leave their land during the Great Depression.

He aimed to:

* Expose the social and economic injustices that drove these people from their homes, including the exploitation of farmers by banks and corporations, and the lack of support from the government.

* Show the human cost of these hardships through the Joad family's journey, highlighting their resilience, strength, and compassion in the face of adversity.

* Promote empathy and understanding for these migrants, who were often marginalized and stigmatized.

* Call for social and political change to address the issues of poverty, inequality, and exploitation.

While the novel is a powerful and moving story, it was also intended to be a social commentary on the state of America during the Great Depression and to inspire action to improve the lives of ordinary people.