Includes bibliographical references (p. 167-171) and index.
Contents:
The background of John Steinbeck -- The life of John Steinbeck -- Steinbeck's personal observations informed The grapes of wrath -- Steinbeck was honored for sympathetic portrayals of the oppressed -- The grapes of wrath and industrialism -- Reverence for the common people -- Steinbeck was careful not to sentimentalize his characters -- White Okies were not the only victims of industrialism -- Personal morality is compromised by corporate values -- Machines of industrialization are impersonal monsters -- Biblical parallels emphasize the spiritual aspect of the Joads' journey -- Okies' transformation from personal to political struggle -- Migrants were lured to California by an unattainable prize -- Steinbeck exaggerated the scale of the Okies' misfortune -- Steinbeck helped to change perceptions of the homeless -- Contemporary perspectives on industrialism -- Corporations and the government must protect farm workers' rights -- Corporations must adhere to a code of ethics in the post-Enron environment -- Industrialism is killing the family farm -- Oil shortages will change the definition of industrialism -- Home ownership offers security to immigrants.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.