1. Symbolism: Steinbeck uses symbols to represent abstract concepts and ideas. The orange tree, for example, symbolizes abundance, wealth, and opportunity, but it becomes a symbol of injustice when it remains abundant despite the suffering of the poor characters.
2. Imagery: The story is filled with evocative and vivid imagery that paints a vivid picture of the characters' struggles. Descriptive language helps readers visualize the poverty and harsh living conditions of the characters.
3. Personification: Steinbeck gives human-like qualities to non-human entities. The orange tree is described as having "hard limbs" and a "bitter smile," representing the harshness and cruelty of the system that keeps the characters in poverty.
4. Irony: The story is filled with irony, where the characters' actions or expectations are contrasted with the harsh reality. For instance, the affluent people in the story are indifferent to the suffering of the poor, leading to a sense of irony and injustice.
5. Parallelism: Steinbeck often uses parallel sentence structures to emphasize the contrast between the lives of the rich and the poor. By drawing parallels, he highlights the unfairness and social disparities in the story.
6. Foreshadowing: The story includes instances of foreshadowing, where hints and suggestions of future events are provided. This creates a sense of anticipation and dread, building tension as readers progress through the narrative.
7. Similes and metaphors: Steinbeck employs similes and metaphors to compare and contrast different elements, creating memorable and poetic imagery. For instance, the poor woman in the story is described as "like an animal caught in a trap."
8. Characterization: Steinbeck's characters are well-developed and represent the different social classes and perspectives within the story. Through characterization, he explores themes of greed, compassion, and the exploitation of the poor.
These stylistic devices work together to create a powerful and evocative narrative that captures the struggles of those marginalized and trapped in poverty, while criticizing the social and economic systems that perpetuate such conditions.