Grapes of Wrath
The Grapes of Wrath written by John Steinbeck is the story of the experiences of the Joad family from the time of their eviction from a farm near Sallisaw, Oklahoma to their first winter in California. In the novel, Steinbeck brings to the reader a variety of diverse and greatly significant characters. One such character is that of Jim Casey, a former preacher and long-time friend of the Joads. In this story, Casey represents a latter-day Christ figure who brings religious stability to migrant families who is facing west. Jim Casey and Jesus have such mere coincidences, but instead of plans they put into action. One of the many similarities between Casey and Christ is that Casey had also goes out to the forests in order for the soul-search and discover the answers to some hidden questions. In this particular situation, Casey himself states the comparison of Christ and his actions while he is at the Joad breakfast table, "I been in the hills, thinkin' almost you might say like Jesus went into the wilderness to think His way out of a mess of troubles" (Pg.
Steinbeck clearly presents Jim Casey as a Christ figure in the first portion of the story, while further evidence is present throughout the entire novel. The author uses the character of Jim Casey as a important supporter in those migrants' heart, which he gave them hope and courage to fight. Casey become the leader of strikers as the Jesus is the leader of the Christian members and they both sacrifice for their beliefs which is how to produce a happy and peaceful life. In the chapter 20, Casey becomes a scapegoat for Tom, he said, "Somebody got to take the blame. I got no kids. They'll jus' put me in jail, an'I ain't doin nothin' but set aroun." (Pg. 342 Ch. 20) Which his action make the reader think that he is willing to sacrifice himself for saving the others. In Tom's heart Casey become his God, which is similarity to the Jesus saving others from sins. Jesus helped people, Casey helped people, Jesus is willing to sacrifice himself for other, and Casey can do the same thing. Casey said "but I only love people. An' sometimes I love 'em fit to bust, an' I
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Approximate Word count = 717
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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