What is a theme found in john Steinbeck's the grapes of wrath?

Question

other than the theme of individuality versus society

Answer 1

The first theme is an outcry against the ill treatment of all migrant workers. Through the story of the Joads, the novel vividly reveals the horror of their existence and the effects of poverty on them. Steinbeck is pleading, in general, for an end to man's inhumanity to his fellow man. Specifically, he calls for a more humane treatment of the migrant worker.

Tom Joad's growth in insight illustrates another of the main Themes in the novel. Tom symbolizes the Biblical theme of growth, the assertion that the continuation of life requires rebirth and that all people have the potential of growth (rebirth). When Tom comes out of prison, he is selfish and individualistic, although he has a strong love for his family. His experiences in California, coupled with the influence of his mother and Casy, increase his wisdom and greatly change him from his selfish ways. He learns to embrace Casy's concept of the Oversoul and becomes aware that he has to be concerned not only with his own family's welfare but also with the welfare of all families. He hopes to translate Casy's philosophy into action and is quite willing to sacrifice his life for others families. By the end of the novel, he has truly gone through a "rebirth." His new knowledge offers a hope for the future, an end to the miserable level of existence that is portrayed throughout The Grapes of Wrath.  

Answer 2

The Grapes of Wrath is a classic, and also one that I have never read.  However, there are numerous free on line resources that can help you with your study of this novel, most of which analyze the story, discuss themes and symbolism and other literary devices, and give character sketches.  If you do a search you will find many helpful resources.  Additionally hundreds of questions have been asked here on Y!A about The Grapes of Wrath so do a search for it in the Yahoo Answers search window and you will find lots of Q’s and A’s that should help you.    

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/grapesofwr...

http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/t...

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitN...

http://www.latw.org/acrobat/grapes.pdf

http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/Guide...