Death Ritual in The Grapes of Wrath

In Chapter 13 of The Grapes of Wrath, Grampa dies and the Joad family spends a considerable amount of time discussing the burial procedures.  Although they worry that Grampa won’t be buried in a way that is honorable, they eventually decide to bury him themselves. I began to consider the extravagant burial rituals that take place throughout the world today for the loved ones of the living. Often, the lavishness of a funeral and/or burial does not even represent the value of the deceased, but rather, they are status symbols that demonstrate the wealth of the deceased’s family.   

I thought that the method of burial for Grampa was perfect and truly reflected the family’s care for him, while taking into consideration their future needs.  It would have been foolish to spend the forty dollars on a proper burial when the family knew that they would never make it to California without that money.  It is amazing how in today’s society, families feel the need to spend abundant amounts of money and resources to commemorate the dead, when those resources could be much better suited towards future generations.  I have heard it said that one of the most selfish things a person can wish for upon his or her death is to take up a permanent space on the earth.  I can’t say I disagree with this.  At some point, the earth will run out of space for graveyards and cemeteries, and even then, they won’t last forever.            

I think that, even though they may not have realized it, the Joad’s reflected upon the life of Grampa in a way that was honorable but unselfish.  While they made sure that his body wouldn’t be found right away, they knew that it was an eventual possibility.  They identified him and buried him with Scripture, which represents a value of the family, and then moved on with their life.  They didn’t waste time reflecting on what could not be changed.  I think contemporary culture could learn a lesson from the Joad’s and their temporal attitude towards death.