Grapes of Wrath Narrative Essay Example

depression or other factors such as old age or mental instability. Grandpa's sorrow over being forced to leave his home against his will may have contributed to his demise. To ensure he joined them on the truck, his family had to intoxicate him, as he vehemently refused to leave even if it meant never seeing his family again. This poignant incident highlights how deeply people's lives and actions were affected by the great depression in the movie.
Grandma's death adds another layer of sadness. She passed away while in transit in the back of a truck, having already died before they encountered police in a town along their journey. Although this may seem disrespectful, her daughter explained that she had informed grandma before her passing about their need to keep moving forward towards their destination. The mother believed that if they were stopped, they might not be able to complete their journey successfully. Despite its coldness, making such tough decisions was necessary.
While not overtly expressed, one could notice the effects of depression on the mother through her subdued and despondent demeanor during this time period. She rarely spoke and exhibited signs of deep sadness. I recall a scene at the start of their journey when someone asked her why she was so quiet; she revealed that losing her childhood home recently had left her with an unshakeable longing for something she could never regainThe impact of depression on individuals struck a deep chord within me. Casey and his friends experienced its effects in a distinct manner, becoming isolated rebels who believed they received unjust remuneration for their labor. Unfortunately, this led to Casey's demise.

On the other hand, Tom emerged as a hero by prioritizing the well-being of his family. He defended Casey's cause by taking the life of a police officer who had killed his friend, showcasing loyalty and friendship towards Casey. Despite some arguing against Tom Joad being a hero, I strongly believe he is one of the most remarkable fictional heroes of all time.

The impact of the depression on job availability was extremely significant as there were no job opportunities anywhere. The main reason why many people migrated to California was solely for the purpose of finding employment. In the movie, the Joads were shown to possess papers containing information about the demand for crop pickers in California. Upon asking a gas station attendant for work, they were informed that all the available jobs had moved to the southern region. Additionally, the attendant expressed his opinion on handouts, stating that eight hundred pickers were required. To ensure this number was met, he would print five thousand copies. Consequently, this would attract fifty thousand people seeking work. The sheer volume of individuals searching for employment is truly astounding. When comparing the unemployment rates during the Great Depression to today's rates, there is no comparison. Nowadays, it is common to see "help wanted" signs on display at various stores and shops around town, indicating our successful recovery from this economic catastrophe. As a result, we have become the most prosperous nation in the world.
In my opinion, The Grapes of Wrath is an exceptional movie and a compelling story highlighting how families and friends support one another during difficult times. The scene where Tom avenges his

friend Casey by killing the police officer exemplifies this theme. Furthermore, although not an ideal example, when Tom leaves his family at the end of the movie also showcases the determination individuals have to seek better opportunities and provide for their loved ones during times of adversity.This situation proved beneficial to the family as staying would have endangered their freedom and well-being. It is evident that the Great Depression was the root cause of these circumstances.