Understanding today's Joads
BMJ 2000; 320 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.320.7247.1456 (Published 27 May 2000) Cite this as: BMJ 2000;320:1456- Simon Curtis, general practitioner
- Oxford
Like all great books The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck absorbs and entertains but also alters your perspective on life. Its principal theme is intolerance; its uncomfortable lesson is that prejudice lies beneath the surface of us all; its optimistic conclusion is the courage of the human spirit and the kernel of good that remains when all else is stripped away. The poetic style and vernacular dialogue take time at first, but once it hooks you it won't let go.
It is the story of the Joad family. They are Oklahoma farmers whose lives are ruined by …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £164 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£30 / $37 / €33 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.