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Themes Of The American Dream In The Grapes Of Wrath

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Samuel Parman Mr. Ward AP English 14 August 2017 What is the American dream? The American dream is the freedom to be whatever you want to become through hard work. In The grapes of wrath by John Steinbeck he portrays a family growing through the Great Depression, hoping to live the American dream. The Major characters have contrasting hopes for their lives pursuing the dream, but it may just be a promise never to come. Some of the major characters Tom, Pa, Ma, Casy, and Rosasharn have different beliefs on the “American Dream”, but they all play an important part of it. Tom Joad is first introduced as a convict released from prison. He is very limited to his freedom due to his criminal background. He does not concern himself with the future and so, does not seem to be caught up with living a successful life as a hard working American. This is very much different in comparison to other characters because they seem to only worry about what next. But as time soon progresses in the novel, he shifts his mindset to wanting a better future.”What the hell you want to lead 'em someplace for? Jus' lead 'em.” (21). This is showing a bit of tom's old mind set. He is not looking out in the future he is just set on the present, telling Jim Casy not to worry about where to lead but to just go ahead and lead. Pa Joad plays an important role. He is the hard working man in charge of the family for most of the novel. He organizes the whole trip because

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