Social Criticism in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath

Abstract

The paper explores powerful social observations on the plight of the working class and the disenfranchised during the Great Depression. Steinbeck shacks radiance on the harsh realities faced by Dust Bowl migrants, tenant farmers, and laborers, highlighting issues of deficiency, poverty, abuse, and economic injustice. The novel highlights the disparity between the promise of prosperity and the harsh reality of poverty and oppression. Steinbeck powerfully demonstrates the frantic plight of Depression-era migrant workers, whom the author felt had been deserted by society. Steinbeck used many techniques to convey his criticism of middle-class values, the economic system, social, religion, exploitation, conformity and prejudice.