The intersection of the good man and the good citizen: A study of John Steinbeck and Tom Joad

The study of John Steinbeck and The Grapes of Wrath within the parameters of political theorist and philosopher Hannah Arendt's definitions of the "good man" and the "good citizen" will reveal the parallel nature of John Steinbeck's and Tom Joad's journey to the intersection of the good man and the good citizen. It is through the study of Tom Joad and Jim Casy, specifically, that one can distinctly see the roles of the good man and the good citizen. This paper utilizes the social psychological research of Stanley Milgram as a framework to better understand what factors led Steinbeck to move into the temporary role of good citizen. Steinbeck allowed his readers to view the similar journey of Tom Joad from good man to good citizen--revealing that every human, regardless of innate traits has the power to create positive change.