This paper is a study on John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath in terms of religious symbolism and universal education. Up until now, Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath has been typically read as anachronistic social activism, sentimental Marxist fables, and being weakened Christian theology through failed preacher, Jim Casy. The religious interpretation of this work has also regarded the text at best as an allegorical reproduction of Exodus. However, since the Joads end the story not in the promised land but in the destitute place, such criticism requires complete rereading of this novel. Therefore, this novel is more meaningful if it is considered to be a reversal of Exodus. The Joads family move from a desperate but occupied promise land, Oklahoma to bondage of California. Through this extended image, Steinbeck shows a greater vision of material poverty teaching the Joads a broader Christian view of the world, a universal evolution from “I” to “we”.
목차
Abstract I. 들어가며 II. 오클라호마와 이집트의 뒤바뀐 상징성 III. “나”에서 “우리”로의 보편적인 진화 IV. 맺는 말 Works Cited
키워드
John SteinbeckExodusBiblical symbolismuniversal educationbrotherhood