Morality and Religion

The central theme of The Grapes of Wrath is one of collective good, promoting unity and hard work to obtain what most benefits the whole of a society. The story of the Joad family takes us through a series of sacrificial acts by the characters to benefit the family as a unit. However, no character displays what would conventionally be considered a perfect set of morals. On the contrary, the most morally sound acts come from characters with a criminal history. In this way Steinbeck asserts moral principles that are based not on the character of the person that represents them, but on the actions they carry through to benefit others. He uses this principle also to dispel the establishment of religion and conventionally-founded morals.

Interestingly, Steinbeck uses religious allegory in the novel in an almost satirical light, with the most self-sacrificial character being the retired Preacher and sinner Jim Casey. In the beginning of the novel, we learn Casey once was a preacher who used his position to sin and sleep with women haphazardly. However, as Casey and the Joad family make their journey west and lose family members and friends along the way, Casey’s character develops into a moral figure for the family. He is seen throughout as the preacher, and the person who members of the Joad family seek for advice and prayer. The culmination of this character development occurs in the end of the novel, when Casey “dodged down into the swing” of a blow from a policeman. It is arguable whether this was an accident or if Casey did this to protect Tom. It would only make sense that Casey did this to protect Tom from being hit by the club, since the entire novel establishes themes of self sacrifice for the greater good. In this instance, religious references are made in the very language describing his death. Right after Casey falls to the side, one of the policy officers exclaims, “Jesus, George. I think you killed him.” I do not think it was a mistake that Jesus is referenced in the quote right after his death. In subsequent paragraphs Casey is referred to again as a preacher, reminding the reader of religious underpinnings.

The character development of Casey is another swipe at the establishment of religion, in that although Casey did not personify the perfect Christian according to convention, his actions were Christ-like in the end of the novel. Tom goes on to act as Casey’s disciple, when he makes the decision to leave his family he references Casey’s thoughts.