Research On Symbolism As Manifested In The Grapes Of Wrath

As one of the most distinguished writers in the20th century America, John Steinbeck is noted for his unique writing techniques, profound compassion for the oppressed people and deep insight into human nature. In his masterpiece The Grapes of Wrath, by depicting the Joad family’s bitter journey from Oklahoma to California specifically, John Steinbeck successfully reveals the miserable sufferings of the whole migrant laborers who were forced to leave their home because of the severe drought and the cruel oppression of the bank owners. As a true reflection of the plight of the migrant laborers during the Great Depression in the1930s’America, the novel has exerted profound social influence on contemporary American society, for it wakens the American people to review their history and to think over their position during the Great Depression.Apart from its great realistic significance, The Grapes of Wrath also has high artistic values, among which the use of symbolism is a prominent feature that permeates throughout the novel. Therefore, the thesis attempts to study The Grapes of Wrath from the perspective of symbolism. Firstly, it gives a brief introduction to John Steinbeck and his works as well as the historical background and main plot of The Grapes of Wrath. Then, it offers an explanation of the purpose, significance and methodology of the study as well as the structure of the thesis. Afterwards, it proceeds to give an overview on the current studies on The Grapes of Wrath both at home and abroad. Meanwhile, it introduces the theoretical basis of the study, primarily the theory concerning the use of symbol and symbolism.In the following part, the thesis offers elaborate research on John Steinbeck’s employment of symbolism in images, settings and characters respectively. Through the detailed analysis of the various symbols, the thesis further explores the significance of the use of symbolism to the overall theme of the novel. It points out that the spiritual conversion of the migrant laborers from individual to group, and from numbness and passivity to disillusionment and resistance is the major theme of the novel. At last, the thesis comes to its conclusion that symbols employed in The Grapes of Wrath are of high artistic values and that they contribute a lot to the deepening of the theme.In general, with their deep connotations, the symbolic images, symbolic settings and symbolic characters have made the theme of the migrant laborers’spiritual journey of conversion highlighted, which consequently makes the novel more profound and enduring in literature.