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The Grapes Of Wrath Rhetorical Analysis

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In David Cassuto’s essay “Turning Wine into Water: Water as Privileged Signifier in ‘The Grapes of Wrath”, the author highlights both the importance of water in the Great Plains in the 1930’s and the importance of water in the Joad’s journey. Cassuto focuses especially on the land’s need for water and, despite the necessity of water, on how it was a “commodity” and a “symbol of wealth.” He calls to mind the separation of class ever-present in Steinbeck’s novel and how it was based on who had control of the water. He also points out that the abundance of water during the flooding works as a “maximum counterpoint” to the Dust Bowl droughts. Cassuto proposes that “Steinbeck weaves water into the novel’s structure as well as virtually every thematically significant event”. Cassuto concludes that the conflict between water and land is as prevalent in the novel as the men and their women and the duality with the men and their land. Cassutos’s points are accurate because Steinbeck constantly reminds his audience of the …show more content…

Casy goes into the wilderness during his ministry and constantly claims to not be a preacher, just as John the Baptist refuses to be called the Messiah. He also speaks often about how he baptized Tom, who we turn to as the next Christ-figure. Up until Casy’s death, these roles are clear; however, as Casy is about to be killed, he responds like Christ did at his death, saying that the murderer does not know what they are doing. At this point, both Jim Casy and Tom merge as the Christ-Figure. Casy dies as Christ did and Tom goes to a cave to heal and comes “back to life” in the same fashion as Christ’s Resurrection. Tom’s sacrifices do not directly inspire, but Casy’s inspire Tom and are constantly present on Tom’s mind, and Tom’s words inspire Casy. They influence each other and they work together as the

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