Blog #23: The Grapes of Wrath

Well, we are back to the same question... Why do we still read this book? I believe that this book is considered an American Classic novel because of its characters and their journey. In all of the classics that I have ever read, there seems to be one main hero that stands out, but in this book I did not find that to be a fact. I think that the reality of this book appeals to the readers because this actually happened and we have all learned about the Great Depression and/or the Dust Bowl of the 1930's. I think that the combination of the reality and the timeless universal theme really make this book the great American Classic that it is today. I am not sure if this is really directly related to the timelessness of this novel, but I always wonder what this book was like when it first came out. I understand that we read these books for English class, but when did this specific book become a "classic." I guess that I just do not understand when this book began to become known as a classic. Are there books that just came out this year that are going to be considered "classics" down the road. If so, what book, and my biggest question.. when? I believe that we can learn a lot just by reading this novel. I learned that even if the conditions are not favorable for your intended outcome, keep trying towards your goal and give at least one hundred percent effort. The resulting consequence may not be positive, but at least if you give your all you can tell others and your heart that you did your absolute best possible work. I think that the book The Grapes of Wrath is also considered a classic novel that we still read today because this book appeals to everyone. I did not notice that the book was targeting any specific audience, so I think that the author probably intended for adults or young adults from all walks of life would enjoy to read this timeless novel.

Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. NY: Penguin, 1939. Print.