Usage of Symbolism in The Grapes of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath is a novel chronicling the hardships endured by migrant families moving west to find a better life. In order to achieve the affect he wanted, John Steinbeck used an array of symbolism, from transcendentalism, to foreshadowing, to biblical allusions. First, the main transcendentalist symbolism present in The Grapes of Wrath is in the character of Jim Casy. Casy is an ex-preacher who renounced his calling because of a sinful act he …

…you in a long time,' [Tom] said. 'Nobody seen me,' said the preacher. 'I went off alone an' I sat and figured. The sperit's strong in my, on'y it ain't the same. I ain't so sure of a lot of things.' (28)" This is a blatant example of transcendentalism. Second, the elements of foreshadowing in The Grapes of Wrath are very prevalent. The major uses of foreshadowing that Steinbeck encompasses are the interchapters.