John Steinbeck is “da man”. I am reading “The Grapes of Wrath” and am very impressed. He is incredibly skilled.
This book was written during the Great Depression in America. Specifically, he talks about the rise of big business as well as a the merchant banking class, mass production and the consolidation of small farms and small business. This book is about the end of the American Dream. At least, so far… I’m not finished with it. But I have a feeling that this book is going to be one of my favorites. Which is really nice. It is a treat to be reading a book that is so good, that you know it will be a book you will tell others to read.
Here is a quote:
In their lapels the insignia of lodges and service clubs, places where they can go and, by a weight of numbers of little worried men, reassure themselves that business is noble and not the curious ritualized thievery they know it is; that business men are intelligent in spite of the records of their stupidity; that they are kind and charitable in spite of the principles of sound business; that their lives are rich instead of the thin tiresome routines they know; and that a time is coming when they will not be afraid anymore.
(Ch 15)
There is also a great deal of well executed symbolism and metaphor. But it isn’t forced and it isn’t high-fallutin’. It just seems to be an extension of the story.
The Steinbeck quote is brilliant. He is indeed the dog’s bollocks.