The novel paints a vivid picture of the suffering, exploitation, and desperation endured by families forced to leave their homes and seek work in California.
Steinbeck intended to:
* Highlight the injustices of the Dust Bowl: He wanted to show how the economic and environmental crisis of the Dust Bowl led to widespread poverty and forced migration, ultimately blaming these issues on corporate greed and a lack of government assistance.
* Humanize the migrant workers: The novel focuses on the Joad family, giving readers a glimpse into their struggles, resilience, and human dignity. It aims to challenge the prevailing stereotypes about migrant workers, portraying them as individuals with hopes, dreams, and a deep sense of community.
* Advocate for social change: Steinbeck wanted to inspire empathy and action in his readers. He hoped that by depicting the plight of the Joads, he could inspire change in government policies and social attitudes towards migrant workers.
*The Grapes of Wrath* is not only a powerful story of survival but also a passionate call for social justice and compassion.