Historians have noted that literary works often adopt the mood of the times in which they were written. It is no surprise then that The Grapes of Wrath, written by John Steinbeck in the desperate nadir of the Great Depression, feels like a novel of righteous anger and skillfully communicates the bleak depths of human grief. However, Steinbeck also wove the plot with threads of cautious optimism and subtle hope. The Grapes of Wrath is not only an expression of the struggle of the dispossessed Okies and Arkies in California, but also a testament to the power and resilience of the human spirit everywhere. To achieve this, Steinbeck imbues the most depressing objects with an aura of optimism, elevates the gravest tragedies with the best results, and makes the worst events reveal the best character traits. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Steinbeck's hopeful symbolism is evident early in the novel, before the reader is even introduced to any of the main characters. The author describes a concrete highway that was "bordered with a mat of tangled, broken, dry grass, and the heads of grass were heavy with oat stubs that caught in a dog's fur." (19) This jungle along the highway represents the confusion that has embroiled the nation. In this context, an otherwise pitiful turtle becomes an optimistic symbol, as it embodies the ability of humans to struggle against adversity. He is able to deflect barley beards and clover burrs just as people cast aside their fears. He climbs the steep embankment even though for every half meter he covers he slides back one. When a fire ant crawls on its skin, it defends itself by retreating into its shell just as people seek protection in difficult times. In the end, when the turtle is almost crushed by the truck, he remains unperturbed and continues to crawl in the dust. Steinbeck's message is that although the human spirit may be abused and threatened, it will continue to strive towards a goal far beyond the horizon. This concept is reiterated again towards the end of the novel, when Uncle John is given the task of burying Rose of Sharon's stillborn baby. As he sets the child's makeshift coffin afloat in the river, he says, "Go down now and lie down in the street. Maybe then they'll know." (572) These words transform the dead fetus from a piece of rotting flesh into a powerful object that has the potential to bring about change. People, seeing such a horrific sight, will be motivated to unite and fight against the evil forces that have indirectly nipped a young life in its bud. The fact that Steinbeck chooses to allude to these findings rather than simply turning the dead child into another example of an early death caused by the Depression is significant. This confirms his firm belief in the firm position of the great "we" against an often hostile and inimical world. The disastrous events of The Grapes of Wrath serve not only to bring the reader to tears, but also to demonstrate that in the darkest of times there will be a ray of hope. For example, Granma dies shortly after the Joads settle in the camp with Ivy and Sairy Wilson. Although Granny's death represents a great loss for the family, her death also brings the Joads and Wilsons into a close relationship that stems from their shared experience of tragedy. The alliance allows for mutual support: physically because the Wilsons help carry the load on the Joads' truck and spiritually because the two families provide each other with needed support and comfort. Another one..