I had always thought of myself as lucky for avoiding authors like Steinbeck and Fitzgerald in both high school and college, but after reading "The Grapes of Wrath", I realize now I did myself a service. Being below the age of 18 in high school, and still being financially supported by my parents in college, I would have probably knocked the book. I think the themes in the book are so complex and so adult that there is definitely a maturity level that needs to be reached to appreciate the book.
Steinbeck does an excellent job of relating to the Joad's struggles, painting a picture of the depression, and truly captures the pain and reality of the travels to the west in 1939. Just from reading the book made the depression so much more alive where I could feel the Joad's heartbreak. I was just sick reading about the treatment of the people, but relieved to see the acts of kindness done throughout the novel. My favorite character was by far Ma. She set an example of how to keep a family together and the true definition of a humanitarian. Though I wouldn't have begged to read this book in high school, or college, I am truly appreciative that I waited to read it.Get more detail about The Grapes of Wrath.
No comments:
Post a Comment