Okie

The Grapes of Wrath is a novel set in the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era which has remained the definition of the era. In Keith Windschuttle’s “Steinbeck’s Myth of the Okies,” he argues and writes that The Grapes of Wrath is historically inaccurate - either being grossly exaggerated or entirely false. In his essay, Windschuttle examines and critically analyzes the image Steinbeck creates to define the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era. First, Windschuttle analyzes the effects the Great…

He stood on the deck sipping a cup of hot coffee, it was a cold and breezy morning and his ship was sailing somewhere on south pacific. The combination mist and mast reminded Varun of titanic movie and his better half. He missed Shivani a lot and cursed his marine engineer job that caused the distance, they were married just for 4 months when he left for the voyage. He dreamt of her, hugging from behind, until a beep from his mobile disturbed him. With frustration he shouted "OMG, can't I even…

"We ain’t gonna die out. People is goin’ on- changing a little, maybe, but goin’ right on” (557). This quote from John Steinbeck’s novel, The Grapes of Wrath, portrays the strength of migrants in the 1930s as they combated different struggles. Through The Grapes of Wrath, the Pearl, and Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck illustrates how the human spirit perseveres through the worst of situations, such as disasters, economic hardships, persecution, and death. Using his novels, Steinbeck shows how people…

thesis was that the refugees were misunderstood and unfairly treated because of it. I think he proved this thesis and his goal in the book because he writes “Quite naturally they suffer the stigmatism of being an “Okie” at school among the “respectable” people”. To clear any confusion, “Okie” was an offensive and derogatory word used by the refugees in the dust bowl. People, primarily the people who lived where the refugees migrated to, thought that the refugees would ruin the economy and taxes…

Chapter 16 Ma was concerned that Rose de Sharon was going to leave her till she realized that it was a dream. What does this show about Rose and Ma? Why does Pa refuse to leave the Wilson's behind after their truck breaks down? What does this show about his character? Why does Ma refuse to go on even after Tom and Casy said they’ll stay behind to fix the truck? What concerns do the family have for california? Are they thinking realistic or are their hoping more? Even after the attendant tells…

The Joad family set up by a river to get some rest, as a policeman approaches Ma Joad rudely, “You’re in California, an’ we don’t want you goddamn Okies settlin’ down.”(214) Ma’s bravery took over as she defends her family’s pride. Being called an Okie cannot be taken lightly.…

I sat down on the wilted grass. I remembered from years past long before I forfeited my life to crime. Back then I still had a few transgressions on my record, but it wasn't like my record now. Three counts of armed robbery, more robbery charges, and more charges of murder than any man should have on his conscience. My conscience constantly reminded me that it's not normal. “Do you remember what happened here?” my conscience nagged as he sat down on the grass beside me. His bright, gleaming…

When shopping for groceries, it is important to make healthy decisions. Making healthy choices is a decision based upon prices, availability, and personal preference. However, it is easy to choose the unhealthy options when the food industry is using brightly colored packaging and empty promises to lure people to purchase their food. Hence, the food industry can be seen as the main contributor to obesity. Nobody wants to be told what to eat, but with clever marketing, the food industry does not…

Immigrant Living Conditions In the 1930’s, a massive environmental disaster called the Dust Bowl ravaged much of the Midwest; topsoil eroded and combined with massive winds to destroy homes, crops, and lives. Compounding on this, the Great Depression caused massive economic suffering, especially for the displaced farmers. It is in this context that John Steinbeck wrote The Grapes of Wrath, a novel that focuses on the plight of migrant farm workers who came to California seeking a better life.…

incorporated political commentary. Some of his prominent works are found on his album “The Dust Bowl Ballads,” which was his most successful album. The songs on "Dust Bowl Ballads" are semi-autobiographical, chronicling Guthrie's experience as an "Okie" during the Dust Bowl era. In these songs Guthrie describes the economic hardship that many migrant workers faced in California. Like many of Guthrie's later recordings, these songs contain an element of social activism (Woody Guthrie Dust Bowl…