Discussion Question 3-The Grapes of Wrath

3. One main universal theme of this book is perseverance. The family’s journey was very difficult for them. Work only came in short bursts and did not last very long. Pay was hard to find and without pay they did not have money for food. Without work the family did not have any pay. Without food, the family became weaker and could not survive. They worked through their struggles because they had faith that there was a brighter future for them ahead. They kept in mind that work was going to be found and someday they would have a house, and someday they would have a place for the kids to play in the backyard, and someday they would have enough money to work and live on their own and be plentiful. They kept a positive state of mind and tried to see the best in their situations. The mother was probably the best one at showing perseverance. She took care of the grandfather and when he died, she helped the family move on because they still had to get to California. She also took care of the grandmother, who was weak the whole way. She helped her hold on for as long as she could and helped the family mourn and continue on when she died. She kept the family together throughout the story. She thought of new ways or ideas that the other family members failed to think of. She was the solid rock the family needed in order to survive. She became tough just when everyone else was falling apart. Another main theme is determination. Once the family had the idea that they were going to California, they let no one stand in their way. The struggles were just minor setbacks, but in the whole picture, they were determined to find work and make their dreams come true. I think that their determination is what kept them all alive the entire time because without their determination they lost all motivation to do work.