GOW ESSAY

The Grapes of Wrath is a novel of persistence and triumph, and throughout the story we follow Tom Joad and his family’s journey across the United States. Although Tom is the pinnacle character of the book, Jim Casy acts as the staple that holds him together by slowly shaping Tom into the man he becomes at the end of the story, as well as playing a Christ-like role in the lives of the Joad family. Jim Casey’s idea of the holy spirit, sin and virtue, and religion shapes the novel in the way that he accepts people and views their actions, and in doing so, he changes Tom’s perspective on life, which in turn affects the family as a whole. On top of changing the lives of the Joad family, it also seems as though John Steinbeck embodies himself in Casey with his views of religion and mankind. Because of these qualities, Jim Casey becomes one of the main characters of the book, as well as a character that Steinbeck seems to want readers to like and respect. When Casey is killed, it is tragic and unnecessary death, which is a result of the connection that Steinbeck creates with the reader.

We get a glimpse into Casey’s way of thinking early on in the story when he finally renounces his title, pondering: “There ain't no sin and there ain't no virtue. There's just stuff people do. It's all part of the same thing.' . . . . I says, 'What's this call, this sperit?' An' I says, 'It's love. I love people so much I'm fit to bust, sometimes.' . . . . I figgered, 'Why do we got to hang it on God or Jesus? Maybe,' I figgered, 'maybe it's all men an' all women we love; maybe that's the Holy Sperit-the human sperit-the whole shebang. Maybe all men got one big soul ever'body's a part of.' Now I sat there thinkin' it, an' all of a suddent-I knew it. I knew it so deep down that it was true, and I still know it." After giving up his title, Casey becomes less of a public figure, and more of a relatable character during the trip, which helps Tom to bond with the man. After this bond is formed, Casey and Tom become partners during the trip and work together in order to bring the family to California. This partnership leads to a drastic change in Tom, and because of his newly attained outlook on life, he takes on the role of group leader, and ultimately connects with his family more than he ever has.

Over the course of the book, Casey shows many subtle Christ-like characteristics in the way that he speaks and acts. There are numerous examples of these acts, but many are overshadowed because of Casey’s absence as the main character in the story. Casey even goes as far as comparing himself to Christ saying, “I been in the hills, thinkin', almost you might say like Jesus went into the wilderness to think his way out of troubles.” Because of all the Christ-like mannerisms, Casey almost seems to be the voice of John Steinbeck in the way that he views religion. Steinbeck was very strongly opinionated, and this resonated in the words of Casey when he spoke. Throughout the book, Casey expresses his views about fellow man, and how all people have good intentions. These beliefs rub off on the Joads, and as the story progresses, they become much more compassionate towards fellow migrants and farmers alike.

Lastly, Casey’s selflessness is a virtue that guides Tom towards finding his true self, as well as touching the lives of many others. This selflessness is first displayed when he sacrifices himself and takes the jail sentence for Tom. Aware of his record with the law, Casey knows that by taking the hit for Tom, the reprocusions will be much smaller and he will see the light of day far sooner than Tom would, so he agrees to be put under arrest. Another example of this selflessness is when Casey dies for what he believes in. By doing this, he shows the ultimate sign of devotion and selflessness, and Tom takes note of it. After seeing his life taken away from him, Tom decides to continue spreading Casey’s message and passing on virtues, which leads him to be a much better person in the end.

There are numerous ways in which Casey affects the book, whether it be spreading the word of god, or sacfricing his life for god. From the start of the book, he is recognized as a man that is true to himself and his beliefs, which brings the reader to respect him as well as analyze his words, for they are filled with knowledge that predict the outcome of the story. Whether one chooses to accept it or not, Casey is truly the moral compass of the book, setting the tone and guiding the characters to a happier and richer life.