Naturalism in Grapes of Wrath

Naturalism in "The Grapes of Wrath" In John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath, the Joad family and the changing world in which they live is portrayed from a naturalistic point of view. Steinbeck characterizes the Joads and their fellow migrants as simple, instinct-bound creatures who are on an endless search for paradise (Owens 129). The migrants and the powers which force them to make their journey--nature and society--are frequently represented by animals. The Joads, when …

…naturalism to chronicle the changes in the world and in society during the Great Depression. The Joad family, and many others like them, are portrayed as small, insignificant creatures who are compelled to search for a paradise they may never find. Along their journey, however, the family grows beyond being a mere animal with no societal consciousness. The Joads discover something larger and more important to care for than themselves: the collective good of mankind.