* Emphasize the cyclical nature of hardship: Parallelism is often used to describe the repetitive, cyclical nature of the Joads' struggles. This emphasizes the fact that their plight is not unique, but a common experience for many families during the Dust Bowl era. Examples include:
* "The men were silent and the women were silent" (Chapter 1) - This repetitive structure emphasizes the shared experience of hardship and the lack of communication.
* "The men sat still and the women sat still" (Chapter 4) - This repetition shows the resignation and despair that has become a constant in their lives.
* Create a sense of rhythm and flow: The use of parallelism, particularly in the dialogue, gives a natural rhythm and flow to the narrative, making the storytelling more engaging and memorable. This is especially evident in the iconic "The Grapes of Wrath" chapter, where the descriptions of the families on the road are repetitive but build a powerful sense of collective movement and shared suffering.
* Highlight the shared humanity of the characters: Parallelism can be used to emphasize the common experiences and struggles of the migrant workers. This helps to break down barriers and build a sense of empathy for these characters, even when they are different in terms of age, gender, or background.
* Emphasize the theme of unity and collective action: Parallelism can also be used to show the Joads and other migrant families coming together in solidarity. The repetition of actions and words creates a sense of collective strength and shared purpose, highlighting the importance of community in overcoming hardship.
* Enhance the emotional impact of the narrative: The repetition of words and phrases in parallelism can create a heightened sense of emotion and drama. This is particularly effective in moments of crisis or suffering, where the repetition can amplify the intensity of the experience.
In conclusion, Steinbeck uses parallelism in *The Grapes of Wrath* to create a sense of rhythm and flow, emphasize the cyclical nature of hardship, highlight the shared humanity of the characters, and enhance the emotional impact of the narrative. This stylistic choice contributes to the powerful and enduring impact of the novel.