HELP! Socialism in Grapes of Wrath?

Question

Before anyone says anything about homework, I've actually been racking my brain for an answer for quite a while now so no, I'm not trying to get anyone to do my homework.

Socialism just isn't a philosophy that I find represented in Grapes of Wrath at all. From what I know, the beliefs of Socialists is that everyone should be equal, isn't it? Grapes of Wrath is like the exact opposite, the classes of landowners and migrants are set so far apart that the landowners are filthy rich while the migrants are starving to death. I dont see where in TGOW there could be an example of socialism.

Sorry if my tone is a bit rude, or if it seems that I'm just not thinking enough. I've already had to rack my brain for examples of Transcendentalism, Naturalism, Romanticism and Realism in the book, and to say that they fried my brain would be quite the understatement hahah.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You need to do some research about Socialism, because what you have is a very dumbed down version of it that doesn't really make sense. And you're also looking at it from the wrong angle. The book is socialist because it criticises the society represented, not because it is the society represented.
Racking your brain is one thing, but you need to do research. You cant just pull stuff out of nowhere.
Now, don't ever quote wikipedia as part of an essay, but to get you started, read their article below about socialism. You'll see it's a hell of a lot more complex than "we're all equal". Socialism is about social justice.

? · Answer

It's been years since I read that but I'm wondering if it's that Tom Joad and the rest of the workers think that the land owners should be giving them some of their wealth since they're so destitute?

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HELP! Socialism in Grapes of Wrath?

2 Answers