Free Grapes of Wrath Essays: Religion in The Grapes of Wrath :: Grapes Wrath essays

faith in The Grapes of Wrath In The Grapes of Wrath the author, John Steinbeck, presents religion in several ways including the fanaticism of the Sin Watchers, Jim Casys parallel extension to Jesus Christ, and through the use of symbolism throughout the novel. Through these methods, Steinbeck weaves a web in which religion is presented as a double-edged firebrand one can go to the path of being truly a devout, kind person, or one can choose the path of zealously, objurgate all who would oppose or go against their views. The Sin Watchers represent the ikon of religious zeal. They force their ideals upon others, and they point out the sinful ways of their bloke camp-mates. These people Steinbeck presents as evil aberrations who disrupt the otherwise peaceful bearing at the government camp. The most viewed Sin Watcher was the woman who berated go Of Sharon for her sinful ways. This horrid woman told Rose Of Sharon that because of the hug-dancing and other fun activities, the deflower would be stillborn. Sadly, the baby was born dead, but not necessarily due(p) to Rose Of Sharons activities. This woman instilled in Rose Of Sharon the idea that it was her tarnish that the baby did not survive. Jim Casys actions bore a close affinity to the actions of Jesus Christ. In the time the book was published, this was viewed as an act of blasphemy. As discussed in class, many of the acts, trials, and tribulations of Jim Casy (along with the ominous JC initials) parallel those of Jesus. Jim Casy represents the epitome of personal reverence, disrespect his renunciation of preaching. Throughout The Grapes of Wrath, religious symbols crop up, further explaining the significance of the section. virtuoso use of symbolism is that when on the road to calcium, Tom encounters a snake. already established in the novel is the fact that to the Goads, California represents a tooshie of great wealth, freedom, and prosperity. It is a Garden of Eden, so to speak. The Gard en of Eden had a serpent who brought the Wrath of God upon Adam and Eve. The serpent supplied them with the forbidden fruit. California is forbidden to outsiders and migrants.