type figure that like Christ, sacrifices himself for the good of others. He gives himself up to the camp police for Tom’s sake, and he actually leaves a disciple behind (Tom) who will try and carry on his work. I think both qualify as obvious examples.The rains that come at the end of the novel symbolize several things. Too much rain, in a certain way, fulfills a cycle. In a way, nature has restored a balance and has sort of initiated a new growth cycle. This ties in with other examples of the rebirth idea in the ending, much in the way the Joad family will grow again. The rain contributes to the theme by showing the cycle of nature that gives a conclusion to the novel by showing that life is a pattern of birth and death (Thomas 31). The rain is also an example of nature against man. The rain comes and floods the living quarters of the Joads. The Joads try to stop the flood of their house, but yet again are forced back when nature drops a tree causing a flood of water to ruin their home, and forcing them to move. In an opposite way, rain can be helpful to give life to plants and animals that need it to live. Depending on which extreme the rain is in, it can be harmful or helpful. This of course is true for man, man can become both extremes, bad or good, depending on his choosing.Also, throughout the book there are several symbols used to develop the theme “man verses a hostile environment.” Each symbol used in the novel shows examples of both extremes. Some represent man, and his struggle against the environment. While others paint a clear picture of the feelings of the uprooted people. As each symbol is presented through the novel, they come together at the end to paint a clear picture of the conditions, treatment and feelings of the people as they make their journey over the country, on their way to the California.The Grapes of wrath contains many examples of symbolism. The real point that the reader needs to unders...
