Biblical Allusions In John Steinbeck's The Grapes Of Wrath

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Biblical Allusions Biblical allusions are famous in John Steinbeck's, The Grapes of Wrath. The biblical imagery that is demonstrated throughout the novel significantly enhances the meaning of the story all the way through the development of the characters and the plot. These also highlight the fact that certain ideas in the Bible are still valid in our every day lives. Peter Lisca has noted that the novel reflects the three-part division of the Old Testament exodus account, which includes captivity, journey, and the Promised Land. Steinbeck’s reference from the Bible reflects his personal analysis about religion and allows him to reinforce his theme of migrant families emerging to form a community to work together. Steinbeck uses the protagonist, Tom Joad, ex-preacher…show more content…
He is unable to come to grips with the outlook of a new life, and his remembrance of the past results in his death. Lot's wife dies in the similar manner. She turns into a pillar of salt when she looks back into her past. This parallel is emphasized by the scripture verse, a direct quotation from Lot, which Tom uses to bury with him. The flood at the end of the novel is another example of a Biblical allusion used by Steinbeck. This situation parallels to the Old Testament story of Noah’s Ark. In both of the events, heavy rains cause a flood that result in the families leaving their homes. In the novel, the Joads and the Wainwrights gather their belongings onto a platform and wait out for the flood, much like Noah and his family gather on the ark for forty days until the rain stops. These situations show again the importance of unity and helping one another to make it through troubles. Steinbeck’s many allusions to the Bible reflect his personal views about religion and allow him to reinforce his theme of migrant families coming together to form a community to work together. He alludes to Biblical characters through Jim Casy
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