Reality in “The Grapes of Wrath” Anonymous 11th Grade

America is known to be the land of freedom and opportunities, but in times of crisis it can turn into a disaster. During the 1930s America was going through a terrible drought, no rain and extremely high temperatures, which later on led to the Dust Bowl. People were finding it harder and harder to sustain themselves on agriculture, the soil was dry and poor, the farming techniques were outdated, and there was no one for food to be grown. This severe drought, later on combined with the stock market crashing, was making it impossible for not only farmers, but everyone to survive. The living conditions were terrible and everyday people were struggling to feed themselves. During these hard times the book “The Grapes of Wrath” came out, written by John Steinbeck and it had immediate success as it mirrored real life at that time. Through this book the author tries to present the struggle of everyday people, in The Great Depression, by taking us through the journey of a family from Oklahoma who is migrating for a better life In California. A very sympathetic view of the Joad family's and their adventure through America when the times get rough and their connection to real life families.

Steinberg used to work for different magazines...