Biblical Allusions in Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath

Abstract

It is no accident that many characters and events in Steinbeck's The Grapes
of Wrath reflect historical, religious and mythological figures. That is
exactly what this study tries to prove. For example, there are certain Biblical
references in the title of the novel itself. There are also many parallels to the
Bible, for instance, Jim Casy has the same initials as Jesus Christ, and he
travels to California with twelve people (a migration toward sort of Eden,
like when Moses led his people out of Egypt). Christ had twelve apostles.
Casy scarifies himself for Tom, and gives up his life willingly to help the
lives of others. There are other parallels to Noah and Virgin Mary. Also, there is an indication to the Exodus journey which is reflected and paralleled
by the journey to California.