The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck is a vintage American piece that takes place in the Dust Bowl era. In this novel, there is a barrier that divides migrant workers from the rest of society. Steinbeck’s character Tom Joad says, “You don’t look for no sense when lightin’ kills a cow, or it comes up a flood. That’s jus’ the way things is. But when a bunch of men take an’ lock you up four years, it ought to have some meaning. Men is suppose to think things out” (70). This quote demonstrates how when men are is drastic situations, they usually depend on themselves and do not put others before them. Men should be altruistic towards one another; they can join and unite as one. People, such as men, need to care not only about themselves, but need to be mindful of others. During Jim and Tom’s journey, we can take away that even though it’s unfortunate that the migrants can not find employment, this bothers Jim Casy. Jim Casy then states, “Maybe all men got one big soul ever’body’s apart of’” (24). This supports Steinbeck’s argument by stating that men are the same in various ways: they are emotional, considerate, and sensitive. However, being that this story also took place during the Great Depression, the that men in the book have to look out for themselves and their families.…show more content… What played a significant role in this novel was the selflessness that Jim Casy had, which makes this argument remarkably debatable. Steinbeck then adds,“Casy grinned at him. ‘Somebody got to take the blame. I got no kids. They’ll jus’ put me in jail, an’ I ain’t doin’ nothin’ but set aroun’’” (265-266). Jim Casy’s act of sacrifice for Tom also symbolizes Christ. Chapter 14 of Thomas Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professor helps readers, like us, come to realize that there are Christ figures everywhere. Not just Jim Casy, but also Muley is seen as a Christ