Symbolism in The Grapes of WrathJohn Steinbeck is an author known throughout the world for his gripping stories and novels. One such novel is The Grapes of Wrath. This novel was written to denounce the plight of those who were dispossessed from their lands by the Great Depression. Steinbeck uses several literary elements to help relate the story to the reader. In The Grapes of Wrath, as in his other works, Steinbeck relies on the use of symbolism to strengthen and enhance the plot. By far, the most involved example of symbolism is found in the character of the preacher, Jim Casy. Casy is not only a Christ figure, but also embodies the faith of Transcendentalism. These are supported by many examples throughout history. Some of these examples are easily noticed, others require more reflection to understand. The symbolism found in Jim Casy goes a long way in bringing together the events that make up the story. That Casy is a Christ figure can be shown in several ways. One obvious (or perhaps not as obvious as it might seem) similarity between Casy and Cristo is that they share the same initials, JC. It was no mere coincidence that Steinbeck chose the name Jim Casy. Initials, however, aren't the only thing Casy and Christ share. Another similarity is that both men went into the desert before returning to public life. Christ went into the wilderness for a period of forty days of intense prayer with the Father before entering upon his public life of preaching. Casy follows a slightly different, but overall similar pattern. Casy tells the reader that he had been a preacher, but had become unsure of what saint truly meant. He spent four years away from society, and after spending some time with the Joad family, he was... middle of paper... John J. "Steinbeck and Nature's Self: The Grapes of Wrath." John Steinbeck, Modern Critical Visions. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. 125-140. French, Warren. John Steinbeck. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1975.Levant, Howard. "The fully ripe art: the grapes of wrath." John Steinbeck, Modern Critical Visions. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. 35-62. Lojek, Helen. “Jim Casy: New Jerusalem Politician.” Steinbeck Quarterly, Winter-Spring 1982. 30-37.Steinbeck, John. The grapes of wrath. New York: Penguin Books, 1978. Wallsten, Robert and Steinbeck, Elaine. Steinbeck: A Life in Letters. New York: The Viking Press, 1975. The New American Bible, Gospel of John. 11.34pm. New York: The Catholic Press, 1976. Goetz, Philip (editor-in-chief). Encyclopedia Britannica. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 1987. vol 11, 894.