The Grapes of Wrath, a novel by John Steinbeck, is set during the Great Depression and follows the story of the Joad family as they migrate from Oklahoma to California in search of a better life. Throughout the novel, Steinbeck incorporates numerous biblical allusions, drawing comparisons between the Joad family's struggles and those of biblical figures.
One prominent biblical allusion in the novel is the comparison of the Joad family to the Israelites. Like the Israelites, the Joads are forced to leave their home and travel to a promised land, in this case California. Both the Israelites and the Joads face numerous challenges and hardships along the way, including hunger, thirst, and illness. The passage in which Tom Joad talks to the truck driver about the journey to California, saying "We're the people that live. They can't wipe us out. They can't lick us," can be seen as reminiscent of the Israelites' determination to reach the promised land despite the obstacles in their way.
Another biblical allusion in the novel is the comparison of the Joads to the character of Job. Like Job, the Joads suffer numerous misfortunes and trials, including the loss of their farm, the death of family members, and the difficulties they face while trying to find work in California. Despite their suffering, the Joads remain resilient and continue to hope for a better future. This resilience is reminiscent of Job's faith in God, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable suffering.
Finally, the character of Jim Casy can be seen as an allusion to Jesus Christ. Casy is a former preacher who has lost his faith, but later rediscover it through his experiences with the Joads and their struggles. Like Jesus, Casy becomes a leader and a guiding light for the Joads, helping them to find hope and meaning in their difficult circumstances. Casy's ultimate sacrifice, in which he is killed while protesting against the mistreatment of migrant workers, can be seen as a parallel to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
Overall, the biblical allusions in The Grapes of Wrath serve to highlight the struggles and resilience of the Joad family and to draw comparisons between their experiences and those of biblical figures. These allusions add depth and meaning to the novel, and help to convey the themes of hope, perseverance, and faith in the face of hardship.