Grapes of Wrath:Chapters 1-10 assignment G

Throughout this novel, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck the idea of man v. the bank is brought to light many times through characters and imagery. In chapter 5 this idea is further explored:

"The man sitting in the iron seat did not look like a man; gloved, goggled, rubber dust mask over mouth and nose... the monster that had sent the tractor out, had somehow got into the driver's hands, into his brain and muscle, had goggled him and muzzled him" (35).

The "monster" is referred to as the bank who is manipulating and taking over the man. This major conflict between the distrust concerning the farmers and government/bank is beginning to fester and create bitterness and resentment of the amount of control the bank has. Profit and greed has motivated the banks to take advantage of the farmers and force them to produce more through machinery and metal. The banks have "muzzled" the farmers, in affect dehumanizing them and making them seem like animals being put through labor. They have no connection with the land and have lost all their soul and heart for their work and in effect becoming robotic. Because the farming population is in desperate need of money and security for their families, they are willing to loose some dignity and pride and work like dogs in order to benefit the banks.

Consider the case of a tenant being forced to move out from his home while the driver states:

"The orders were, 'Make the land show profit or we'll close you up'" (38).

This demonstrates the conflict between keeping the livelihood of an individual  in the Mid-West and being responsible for the governments financial system. The banks were threatening foreclosure if the farmers did not show "profit." These problems continue to develop throughout the novel as finances continue to worsen and humanity begins to be stripped down all for a couple of bucks.